Encapsulated or coated stent systems

ABSTRACT

A stent system comprising zero or more inner stents inserted into an outer stent. The inner stents and outer stent are separated and/or encapsulated by a protein-based material of a protein matrix and/or a set biocoacervate, each comprising one or more biocompatible proteins and one or more biocompatible solvents. The protein-based material may also include one or more carbohydrates and one or more pharmacologically active agents.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a stent system comprising one or more stents coated and/or encapsulated by a protein-based material of a protein matrix and/or a set biocoacervate. In various embodiments, the stent system includes one or more inner stents inserted into an outer stent. The inner stents and outer stent are separated and/or encapsulated by a protein-based material of a protein matrix and/or a set biocoacervate, each comprising one or more biocompatible proteins and one or more biocompatible solvents. The protein-based material may also include one or more carbohydrates and one or more pharmacologically active agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stents are generally known in the medical arts. The term “stent” has been used interchangeably with terms such as “intraluminal vascular graft” and “expansible prosthesis”. As used throughout this specification the term “stent” is intended to have a broad meaning and encompasses any expandable prosthetic device for implantation in a body passageway (e.g., a lumen or artery) to keep a formerly blocked passageway open and/or to provide support to weakened structures (e.g. heart walls, heart valves, venous valves and arteries).

The use of stents has attracted an increasing amount of attention due the potential of these devices to be used, in certain cases, as an alternative to surgery. Generally, a stent is used to obtain and maintain the patency of the body passageway while maintaining the integrity of the passageway. As used in this specification, the term “body passageway” is intended to have a broad meaning and encompasses any duct (e.g., natural or iatrogenic) within the human body and can include a member selected from the group comprising: blood vessels, respiratory ducts, gastrointestinal ducts and the like.

Stent development has evolved to the point where the vast majority of currently available stents rely on controlled plastic deformation of the entire structure of the stent at the target body passageway so that only sufficient force to maintain the patency of the body passageway is applied during expansion of the stent.

Generally, in many of these systems, a stent, in association with a balloon, is delivered to the target area of the body passageway by a catheter system. Once the stent has been properly located (for example, for intravascular implantation the target area of the vessel can be filled with a contrast medium to facilitate visualization during fluoroscopy), the balloon is expanded thereby plastically deforming the entire structure of the stent so that the latter is urged in place against the body passageway. As indicated above, the amount of force applied is at least that necessary to expand the stent (i.e., the applied the force exceeds the minimum force above which the stent material will undergo plastic deformation) while maintaining the patency of the body passageway. At this point, the balloon is deflated and withdrawn within the catheter, and is subsequently removed.

Ideally, the stent will remain in place and maintain the target area of the body passageway substantially free of blockage (or narrowing).

See, for example, any of the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,665 (Palmaz), U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,762 (Palmaz), U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,882 (Gianturco), U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,336 (Gianturco), U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,706 (Gianturco et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,392 (Hillstead), U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,126 (Gianturco), U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,417 (Palmaz), U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,385 (Beck et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,824 (Gianturco), U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,023 (Palmaz et al.), Canadian patent 1,239,755 (Wallsten), Canadian patent 1,245,527 (Gianturco et al.), Canadian patent application number 2,134,997 (Penn et al.), Canadian patent application number 2,171,047 (Penn et al.), Canadian patent application number 2,175,722 (Penn et al.), Canadian patent application number 2,185,740 (Penn et al.), Canadian patent application number 2,192,520 (Penn et al.), International patent application PCT/CA97/00151 (Penn et al.), International patent application PCT/CA97/00152 (Penn et al.), and International patent application PCT/CA97/00294 (Penn et al.), for a discussion on previous stent designs and deployment systems.

Furthermore, the administration of stents that carry therapeutic coatings, such as one or more polymeric coatings including pharmacologically active agents, have been utilized to reduce some of the problems created by the implantation of stents, such as restinosis and other biocompatibility responses to the foreign implant. Therefore, the search to find optimum materials and coatings, which enhance biocompatibility and prevent the occlusion of the passage through clotting or tissue growth is the ultimate goal of many manufacturers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration, in partial cross-sectional view, of a compression molding device that may be used in the method of the present invention in a configuration prior to compression;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration, in partial cross-sectional view, of a compression molding device that may be used in the method of the present invention in a configuration during compression;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration, in partial cross-sectional view, of a compression molding device that may be used in the method of the present invention in a configuration during ejection;

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of the biocoacervate of the present invention cut into a square shape;

FIGS. 5-7 depict various embodiments of encapsulated stents that may be utilized in the stent systems of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration, in partial cross-sectional view, of a compression molding device that may be used in the method of the present invention in wherein the inner insert includes a mandrel that that is engaged with a stent;

FIG. 9 a is a front view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has a helical configuration;

FIG. 9 b is a side view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has a helical configuration;

FIG. 9 c is a side view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has a helical configuration wherein the ends are joined by a joining member;

FIG. 10 a is a front view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has an “e” configuration;

FIG. 10 b is a side view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has an “e” configuration;

FIG. 11 a is a front view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has a figure eight configuration;

FIG. 11 b is a side view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has a figure eight configuration;

FIG. 12 is a front view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has an o-ring configuration;

FIG. 13 is a front view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has a c-ring configuration;

FIG. 14 is a front view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has an oval-ring configuration;

FIG. 15 is a side view of one embodiment of a single strand stent that has a loop strut configuration;

FIG. 16 is a side view of one embodiment of a stent system that has multiple single strand stents including two o-rings and an oval-ring; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vessel graft including an o-ring at each end of the graft.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vessel graft including a c-ring at each end of the graft and further including graft fasteners.

FIG. 19 is a side view of one embodiment of a vessel graft including a graft fastener.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vessel graft including an o-ring at each end of a coated mesh tube sutured into a vessel.

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a vessel graft including an o-ring at each end of the graft adhered to a vessel with adhesive.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a vessel graft secured with a graft fastener including an o-ring at each end of a coated mesh tube.

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a vessel graft including an inner stent system with beveled ends inserted into an outer stent system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.

The present invention relates to stent systems and a method of making such systems. More specifically, the method of the present invention involves preparing and providing stent systems that include one or more protein-based materials, each material comprising one or more biocompatible protein and one or more biocompatible solvents. The protein-based materials may also include one or more carbohydrates, such as glycosaminoglycans (e.g. heparin, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid . . . ) and/or one or more pharmacologically active agents. Once the protein-base materials are prepared, one or more stents are at least partially coated, encapsulated and/or inserted within one or more of the protein based materials. It is noted that additional polymeric materials and/or therapeutic entities may be included in the biocompatible material to provide various beneficial features such as strength, elasticity, structure and/or any other desirable characteristics. Examples of protein matrix materials and biocoacervate materials and their methods of preparation may be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/160,424 filed on Feb. 28, 2001, and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/929,117 filed on Aug. 26, 2004, the contents of both applications of which are incorporated by reference herein. It is further noted that the protein based material may also coat, encapsulate and/or impregnate the stents, meshes or other components of the stent systems of the present invention that already carry or are previously coated with another coating, such as a drug eluting coating. Examples of such coatings include, but are not limited to, the drug eluting coatings used in the Cypher® Stent produced by Johnson and Johnson and the Taxus® Stent produced by Boston Scientific.

In one embodiment, the protein-based material may be made by providing a coatable composition that is then coated to form a film that may be subsequently partially dried, if necessary, formed into a cohesive body, and then compressed with the one or more stents to provide a protein matrix stent system. One embodiment of the method of preparation of a protein matrix stent system is described in the paragraphs below.

While not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that by preparing a coatable composition from the aforementioned components, coating this composition to form a film that is subsequently partially dried, and then forming the film into a cohesive body, a relatively homogeneous distribution of the components is obtained in the cohesive body. Furthermore, when the film has dried enough so as to be cohesive unto itself, e.g., to a solvent content from about 50% to about 70%, subsequently formed into a cohesive body and then compressed many, if not all, of any distribution anomalies are removed or resolved. Therefore, when the protein matrix material that coats, surrounds and/or encapsulates the one or more stents includes a pharmacologically active agent, the distribution of the pharmacologically active agent is rendered substantially homogenous throughout the resulting stent system.

In addition, the removal of such distribution anomalies also includes the removal of bulk or trapped biocompatible solvent, such as aqueous solutions, i.e. bulk water (i.e., iceberg water) from the matrix. For example, in aqueous solutions, proteins bind some of the water molecules very firmly and others are either very loosely bound or form islands of water molecules between loops of folded peptide chains. Because the water molecules in such an island are thought to be oriented as in ice, which is crystalline water, the islands of water in proteins are called icebergs. Furthermore, water molecules may also form bridges between the carbonyl (C═O) and imino (NH) groups of adjacent peptide chains, resulting in structures similar to those of a pleated sheet (β-sheets) but with a water molecule in the position of the hydrogen bonds of that configuration. Generally, the amount of water bound to one gram of a globular protein in solution varies from 0.2 to 0.5 grams. Much larger amounts of water are mechanically immobilized between the elongated peptide chains of fibrous proteins, such as gelatin. For example, one gram of gelatin can immobilize at room temperature 25 to 30 grams of water. It is noted that other biocompatible solvents may also interact with protein molecules and the pharmacologically active agents to effect intra- and inter-molecular forces upon compression. The compression of the cohesive body removes the bulk solvent from the resulting protein matrix that surrounds or contacts the one or more stents.

The protein matrix of the present invention traps biocompatible solvent molecules, such as water molecules, and forces them to interact with the protein to produce a protein-water matrix with natural physical, biological and chemical characteristics. The compression of the cohesive body and one or more stents reduces the islands of water or bulk water resulting in a strengthened protein matrix structure. Furthermore, the reduction of bulk water enhances the homogenous characteristics of the protein matrix by reducing the pooling of water and spacing of the protein molecules and pharmacologically active agent molecules. Upon compression of the cohesive body and the one or more stents, the remaining water molecules are forced to interact with most to all protein molecules and thereby add strength, structure and stability to the protein matrix. The compression forces out most of the non-structural bulk water (immobilized water) from the matrix. As previously suggested, the bulk water is extra water that is only loosely bound to the matrix. The water that interacts with the protein molecules of the protein matrix reduces and/or prevents the protein from denaturing during compression and facilitates the protein binding with the water through intra- and inter-molecular forces (i.e., ionic, dipole-dipole such as hydrogen bonding, London dispersion; hydrophobic, etc.). The enhanced binding characteristics of the protein matrix further inhibits the loss of non-bulk solvent molecules that interact with protein molecules and/or the pharmacologically active agents. Experiments have indicated that a protein matrix dries to 25-45% water during overnight drying processes that would normally dry over 100 times that same amount of water if it were not in the matrix.

Furthermore, embodiments of the stent system of the present invention preferably have as little solvent as possible while still being cohesive and possessing the desired features relevant to the device's function, e.g., preferably a solvent content of from about 10% to about 70%, more preferably a solvent content of from about 30% to about 50%. It is found that when a stent system of the present invention includes a pharmacologically active agent, the partial drying of the film to form a cohesive body and subsequent compressing of the cohesive body, forces more solvent out of the body, thereby producing a resulting stent system that has a significantly higher concentration of pharmacologically active agent relative to other components of the system than is obtainable in stent systems produced by other methods. As a result of the substantially uniform dispersion of a greater concentration of pharmacologically active agent, a sustained, controlled release of the pharmacologically active agent is achieved, while reducing the initial high concentration effects that can be associated with other devices that include pharmacologically active agents or bolus injections of pharmacologically active agents.

Reducing the solvent content has the additional effect that the resulting stent system is more structurally sound, easy to handle, and thus, easy to insert or implant. Upon insertion, the cells of the tissue contacting the implanted protein matrix holds the stent system substantially in the desired location. Alternatively, embodiments of the stent system may be held in the desired location by tissue contact, pressure, sutures, adhesives, stent contact and/or tissue folds or creases. Embodiments of the stent system coatings may biodegrade and resorbs over time or retain their structural integrity.

To form the coatable composition, the biocompatible protein(s), the biocompatible solvent(s) and potentially the one or more carbohydrates and one or more pharmacologically active agents may be combined in any manner. It is noted that one or more additional polymeric materials and/or therapeutic entities may be added to the coatable composition during the combination step to provide additional desirable characteristics to the coatable composition. For example, the components may simply be combined in one step, or alternatively, the biocompatible protein materials may be dissolved and/or suspended in a biocompatible solvent and an additional protein material and/or the pharmacologically active agent may be dissolved and/or suspended in the same or another biocompatible solvent and then the resulting two solutions mixed.

Once prepared, the coatable composition may be coated onto any suitable surface from which it may be released after drying by any suitable method. Examples of suitable coating techniques include spin coating, gravure coating, flow coating, spray coating, coating with a brush or roller, screen printing, knife coating, curtain coating, slide curtain coating, extrusion, squeegee coating, and the like. The coated film (preferably having a substantially planar body having opposed major surfaces) is desirably thin enough so as to be capable of drying within a reasonable amount of time and also thin enough so that the film can be formed into a cohesive body comprising a substantially homogeneous dispersion of the components of the coatable composition. For example, a thinner film will tend to form a more homogeneous cohesive body when the film is formed into the shape of a cylinder. A typical coated film of the coatable composition have a thickness in the range of from about 0.01 millimeters to about 5 millimeters, more preferably from about 0.05 millimeters to about 2 millimeters.

Initially, when the film is first coated, it is likely to be non-cohesive, fluidly-flowable, and/or non self-supporting. Thus, the coated film is preferably dried sufficiently so that it becomes cohesive, i.e., the film preferably sticks to itself rather than other materials. The film may simply be allowed to dry at room temperature, or alternatively, may be dried under vacuum, conditions of mild heating, i.e., heating to a temperature of from about 25° C. to about 50° C., or conditions of mild cooling, i.e. cooling to a temperature of from ab

The specific solvent content at which the film becomes cohesive unto itself will depend on the individual components incorporated into the coatable composition. Generally, films that have too high of a solvent content will not be cohesive. Films that have too low of a solvent content will tend to crack, shatter, or otherwise break apart upon efforts to form them into a cohesive body. With these considerations in mind, the solvent content of a partially dried film will preferably be from about 20% to about 80%, more preferably from about 30% to about 65% and most preferably from about 35% to about 50%, percentages based upon the weight of the overall composition.

Once the film is capable of forming a cohesive body, such a cohesive body may be formed by any of a number of methods. For example, the film may be rolled, folded, accordion-pleated, crumpled, or otherwise shaped such that the resulting cohesive body has a surface area that is less than that of the coated film. For example the film can be shaped into a cylinder, a cube, a sphere or the like. Preferably, the cohesive body is formed by rolling the coated film to form a cylinder.

Once so formed, the cohesive body is compressed with one or more stents to form a coated stent or stents that may be utilized in a stent system in accordance with the present invention. Any manually or automatically operable mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical molding device capable of subjecting the cohesive body to pressure is suitable for use in the method of the present invention. In the production of various embodiments of the present invention, a molding device may be utilized that is capable of applying a pressure of from about 20 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 100,000 psi for a time period of from about 0.5 seconds to about 48 hours. Preferably, the molding device used in the method of the present invention will be capable of applying a pressure of from about 1000 psi to about 30,000 psi for a time period of from about 2 seconds to about 60 minutes. More preferably, the molding device used in the method of the present invention will be capable of applying a pressure of from about 3,000 psi to about 25,000 psi for a time period of from about one minute to about ten minutes.

Compression molding devices suitable for use in the practice of the method of the present invention are generally known. Suitable devices may be manufactured by a number of vendors according to provided specifications, such as desirable pressure, desired materials for formulation, desired pressure source, desired size of the moldable and resulting molded device, and the like. For example, Gami Engineering, located in Mississauga, Ontario manufactures compression molding devices to specifications provided by the customer. Additionally, many compression molding devices are commercially available.

An embodiment of a compression molding device 10 suitable for use in the method of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. 1. Compression molding device 10 is equipped with a mold body 12 in which cohesive body 22 can be subjected to pressure in order to compress and mold the cohesive body 22 into a protein matrix device in accordance with the present invention. Mold body 12 is shown supported in position on a base plate 20. More specifically, mold body 12 has provided therein a cavity 16 that preferably extends all the way through mold body 12. Within the cavity 16 a molding chamber 17 can be defined into which a cohesive body in accordance with the present invention may be inserted. The molding chamber 17 may be configured in any shape and size depending upon the shape and size of the stent system. The cavity 16 may comprise a bore of any shape that may be machined, formed, cast or otherwise provided into the mold body 12. The compression molding device may optionally include one or more apertures of approximately 0.004 to 0.0001 inches for biocompatible solvent to escape the chamber 17 during compression of the cohesive body. An inner insert 18 is preferably slidably fit within cavity 16 to be positioned against one surface 13 of the base plate 20 to define the molding chamber 17 and support to cohesive body 22 when positioned within the molding chamber 17. The insert 18 may be any shape that is desired for molding the protein matrix device. For example the insert 18 may be a solid cylindrical mandrel that can form the lumen of a tube or vessel and also hold the one or more stents. The insert 18 is thus fixed with respect to the mold body 12 to define the inner extent of the molding chamber 17. An outer insert 19 is also preferably provided to be slidable within the cavity 16.

Outer insert 19 is used to close the molding chamber 17 of cavity 16 after the inner insert 18 and the cohesive body 22 are provided in that order within the cavity 16. The inner and outer inserts 18 and 19, respectively, can be the same or different from one another, but both are preferably slidably movable within the cavity 16. The inner and outer inserts 18 and 19, respectively, are configured to create the desired form or shape of the stent system. Additionally, the inserts 18 and 19 may be shaped similarly to the shape of the cavity 16 to slide therein and are sized to effectively prevent the material of the cohesive body 22 to pass between the inserts 18 and 19 and the walls of cavity 16 when the cohesive body 22 is compressed as described below. However, the sizing may be such that moisture can escape between the outer edges of one or both inserts 18 and 19 and the surface walls of the cavity 16 from the cohesive body 22 during compression. Otherwise, other conventional or developed means can be provided to permit moisture to escape from the mold cavity during compression. For example, small openings could pass through one or both of the inserts 18 and 19 or mold body 12 which may also include one-way valve devices. Insert 18 may be eliminated so that surface 13 of base plate 20 defines the lower constraint to molding chamber 17. However, the use of insert 18 is beneficial, in that its presence facilitates easy removal of the cohesive body 22 after compression (described below) and provides a sufficiently hard surface against which the cohesive body 22 can be compressed. Moreover, by utilizing a series of differently sized and/or shaped inner inserts 18, the volume of the molding chamber can be varied, or different end features may be provided to the cohesive body 22. Outer inserts 19 can likewise be varied.

Outer insert 19 is also positioned to be advanced within cavity 16 or retracted from cavity 16 by a plunger 14. Preferably, the contacting surfaces of outer insert 19 and plunger 14 provide a cooperating alignment structure so that pressure can be evenly applied to the cohesive body 22. The plunger 14 may comprise a part of, or may be operatively connected with a pressure generation mechanism 24 that has the ability to apply pressure of the type and force necessary to achieve the results of the present invention. Conventional or developed technologies are contemplated, such as using mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or other systems. Such systems can be manually or automatically operable.

Plunger 14 operates independently of mold body 12 and is operationally coupled to the pressure generation mechanism 24. Pressure generation mechanism 24 may be any pressure source capable of applying from about 20 psi to about 100,000 psi for a time period of from about 0.5 seconds to about 48 hours, preferably capable of applying from about 1000 psi to about 30,000 psi for a time period of from about 10 seconds to about 60 minutes, and more preferably, capable of applying a pressure of from about 3000 psi to about 25,000 psi for a time period of from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes. Preferably, plunger 14 is formulated of a material capable of translating substantially all of the pressure applied by pressure generation mechanism 24 to cohesive body 22.

Mold body 12 may be fabricated from any material capable of withstanding the pressure to be applied from pressure generation mechanism 24, e.g., high density polyethylene, Teflon®, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, copper, combinations of these and the like. Desirably, mold body 12 is fabricated from a material that provides low surface friction to inserts 18 and 19 and cohesive body 22. Alternatively, surfaces defining the cavity 16 may be coated with a low friction material, e.g., Teflon®, to provide such low surface friction. Due to its relatively low cost, sufficient strength and surface friction characteristics, mold body 12 is desirably fabricated from steel or brass. Cavity 16, extending substantially through mold body 12, may be of any shape and configuration, as determined by the desired configuration of the resulting, compressed stent systems. In one embodiment, cavity 16 is cylindrical. However, the shape of the cavity 16 can be configured to accommodate the shape and size of the resulting, compressed stent system. As above, inserts 18 and 19 preferably fit within cavity 16 in a manner that allows moisture to escape from mold body 12, and so that inserts 18 and 19 may be easily inserted into and removed from cavity 16. Furthermore, it is preferred that inserts 18 and 19 fit within cavity 16 in a manner that provides adequate support and containment for cohesive body 22, so that, upon compression, the material of cohesive body 22 does not escape cavity 16 in a manner that would produce irregularly shaped edges on the resulting stent system.

According to one procedure for using compression molding device 10 to carry out the method o the present invention, the mold body 12 is positioned as shown in FIG. 1 on the base plate 20, which itself may be supported in any manner. Then, an inner insert 18 is placed into cavity 16 followed by a cohesive body 22 and one or more stents to be compressed and an outer insert 19 as shown. Plunger 14 is then positioned so as to be in driving engagement with outer insert 19. Then, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the pressure generation mechanism 24 is activated to move plunger 14 in the direction of arrow A to reduce the volume of the molding cavity 17 to make a compressed cohesive body 23. Pressure generation mechanism 24 applies sufficient pressure, i.e., from about 20 psi to about 100,000 psi for a time period of from about 0.5 seconds to about 48 hours, to plunger 14, insert 19 and cohesive body 22 against the inner insert 18, thereby driving moisture from and compressing cohesive body 22 into a stent system in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the compressed cohesive body 23 and stents can then be ejected from the mold body 12 along with inserts 18 and 19 by positioning the mold body 12 on a support spacer 30 and further advancing the plunger 14 in the direction of arrow A by the pressure generation mechanism 24. Generally, base plate 20 is separated from the mold body 12 when ejecting the stent system and inserts 18 and 19. The support spacer 30 is preferably shaped and dimensioned to provide an open volume 31 for the compressed cohesive body 23 to be easily removed. That is, when the plunger 14 is sufficiently advanced, the insert 18 and compressed cohesive body 23 can fall into the open volume 31 within the support spacer 30. After completion, the plunger 14 can be fully retracted so that the compression molding device 10 can be reconfigured for a next operation.

Any biocompatible protein material may be utilized in the stent systems and corresponding methods of the present invention. Preferably, any such material will at least be water-compatible, and more preferably will be water-absorbing or hydrogel forming. Furthermore, one or more biocompatible protein materials may be incorporated into the protein matrix device of the present invention and may desirably be selected based upon their biocompatible, biointegratable and/or degradation properties. The combination of more than one biocompatible protein can be utilized to mimic the environment in which the system is to be administered, optimize the biofunctional characteristics, such as cell attachment and growth, nonimmuno-response reaction and/or alter the release characteristics, or duration of an included pharmacologically active agent, if a pharmacologically active agent is to be included in the device.

Additionally, the proteins of the present invention are generally purified and in a free-form state. Normally, free-form proteins are comprised of protein molecules that are not substantially crosslinked to other protein molecules, unlike tissues or gelatins. Normally, tissue or gelatin is already in a crosslinked matrix form and is thereby limited in forming new intermolecular or intramolecular bonds. Therefore, the free-form protein molecules when added to solvent have the capacity to freely associate or intermingle with each other and other molecules or particles, such as solvents or pharmacologically active agents to form a homogeneous structure. Additionally, the binding sites of the free-form primary proteins for the attraction and retention of proteoglycans or secondary proteins are generally available for binding whereas proteins derived from tissues and gelatins have generally lost some or most of its binding capability.

Also the proteins of the present invention are generally purified proteins. The purity of each protein component mixed in the coatable film or the solution phase (the process of making the coacervates and biomaterials will be described further below) during production of the compressed protein matrix or the coacervate include 20% or less other proteins or impurities, preferably 10% or less other proteins or impurities, more preferably 3% or less other proteins or impurities and if available ideally 1% or less other proteins or impurities.

The biocompatible protein material comprises one or more biocompatible synthetic protein, genetically-engineered protein, natural protein or any combination thereof. In many embodiments of the present invention, the biocompatible protein material comprises a water-absorbing, biocompatible protein. In various embodiments of the present invention, the utilization of a water-absorbing biocompatible protein provides the advantage that, not only will the protein matrix device be biodegradable, but also resorbable. That is, that the metabolites of the degradation of the water-absorbing biodegradable protein may be reused by the patient's body rather than excreted. In other embodiments that do not degrade or resorb the water absorbing material provides enhanced biocompatible characteristics since the stent system is generally administered to environments that contain water.

The biocompatible protein utilized may either be naturally occurring, synthetic or genetically engineered. Naturally occurring protein that may be utilized in the protein matrix device of the present invention include, but are not limited to elastin, collagen, albumin, keratin, fibronectin, silk, silk fibroin, actin, myosin, fibrinogen, thrombin, aprotinin, antithrombin III and any other biocompatible natural protein. It is noted that combinations of natural proteins may be utilized to optimize desirable characteristics of the resulting protein matrix, such as strength, degradability, resorption, etc. Inasmuch as heterogeneity in molecular weight, sequence and stereochemistry can influence the function of a protein in a stent system, in some embodiments of the present invention synthetic or genetically engineered proteins are preferred in that a higher degree of control can be exercised over these parameters.

Examples of natural free-form proteins that are commercially available and may be utilized in some embodiments of the present invention include Type I soluble or insoluble collagen, insoluble or soluble elastin, and soluble albumen manufactured by Kensey Nash Corporation, 55 East Uwchlan Avenue, Exton, Pa. 19341, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, St. Louis, Mo., USA or Elastin Products Company, Inc., P.O. Box 568, Owensville, Mo., USA 65066. It is noted that combinations of natural proteins may be utilized to optimize desirable characteristics of the resulting protein-based materials, such as strength, degradability, resorption, etc. Inasmuch as heterogeneity in molecular weight, sequence and stereochemistry can influence the function of a protein in a protein-based material, in some embodiments of the present invention synthetic or genetically engineered proteins are preferred in that a higher degree of control can be exercised over these parameters.

Synthetic proteins are generally prepared by chemical synthesis utilizing techniques known in the art. Examples of such synthetic proteins include but are not limited to natural protein made synthetically and collagen linked glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like collagen-heparin, collagen-chondroitin and the like. Also, individual proteins may be chemically combined with one or more other proteins of the same or different type to produce a dimer, trimer or other multimer. A simple advantage of having a larger protein molecule is that it will make interconnections with other protein molecules to create a stronger protein-based material that is less susceptible to dissolving in aqueous solutions.

Additional, protein molecules can also be chemically combined to any other chemical so that the chemical does not release from the matrix. In this way, the chemical entity can provide surface modifications to the matrix or structural contributions to the matrix to produce specific characteristics. The surface modifications can enhance and/or facilitate cell attachment depending on the chemical substance or the cell type. The structural modifications can be used to facilitate or impede dissolution, enzymatic degradation or dissolution of the matrix.

Synthetic biocompatible materials may be cross-linked, linked, bonded or chemically and/or physically linked to pharmacological active agents and utilized alone or in combination with other biocompatible proteins to form the cohesive body. Examples of such cohesive body materials include, but are not limited to heparin-protein, heparin-polymer, chondroitin-protein, chondroitin-polymer, heparin-cellulose, heparin-alginate, heparin-polylactide, GAGs-collagen, heparin-collagen-chondroitin and heparin-collagen.

Other proteins that may be utilized in various embodiments of the present invention include genetically engineered proteins. Specific examples of a particularly preferred genetically engineered proteins for use in the stent systems of the present invention is that commercially available under the nomenclature “ELP”, “SLP”, “CLP”, “SLPL”, “SLPF” and “SELP” from Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. San Diego, Calif. ELP's, SLP's, CLP's, SLPL's, SLPF's and SELP's are families of genetically engineered protein polymers consisting of silklike blocks, elastinlike blocks, collagenlike blocks, lamininlike blocks, fibronectinlike blocks and the combination of silklike and elastinlike blocks, respectively. The ELP's, SLP's, CLP's, SLPL's, SLPF's and SELP's are produced in various block lengths and compositional ratios. Generally, blocks include groups of repeating amino acids making up a peptide sequence that occurs in a protein. Genetically engineered proteins are qualitatively distinguished from sequential polypeptides found in nature in that the length of their block repeats can be greater (up to several hundred amino acids versus less than ten for sequential polypeptides) and the sequence of their block repeats can be almost infinitely complex. Table A depicts examples of genetically engineered blocks. Table A and a further description of genetically engineered blocks may be found in Franco A. Ferrari and Joseph Cappello, Biosynthesis of Protein Polymers, in: Protein-Based Materials, (eds., Kevin McGrath and David Kaplan), Chapter 2, pp. 37-60, Birkhauser, Boston (1997).

TABLE A Protein polymer sequences Polymer Name Monomer Amino Acid Sequence SLP 3 [(GAGAGS)₉ GAAGY)] SLP 4 (GAGAGS)_(n) SLP F [(GAGAGS)₉ GAA VTGRGDSPAS AAGY]_(n) SLP L3.0  [(GAGAGS)₉ GAA PGASIKVAVSAGPS AGY]_(n) SLP L3.1  [(GAGAGS)₉ GAA PGASIKVAVSGPS AGY]_(n) SLP F9 [(GAGAGS)₉ RYVVLPRPVCFEK AAGY]_(n) ELP I [(VPGVG)₄]_(n) SELP 0 [(GVGVP)₈ (GAGAGS)₂]_(n) SELP 1 [GAA (VPGVG)₄ VAAGY (GAGAGS)₉]_(n) SELP 2 [(GAGAGS)₆ GAAGY (GAGAGS)₅ (GVGVP)₈]_(n) SELP 3 [(GVGVP)₈ (GAGAGS)₈]_(n) SELP 4 [(GVGVP)₁₂ (GAGAGS)₈]_(n) SELP 5 [(GVGVP)₁₆ (GAGAGS)₈]_(n) SELP 6 [(GVGVP)₃₂ (GAGAGS)₈]_(n) SELP 7 [(GVGVP)₈ (GAGAGS)₆]_(n) SELP 8 [(GVGVP)₈ (GAGAGS)₄]_(n) KLP 1.2 [(AKLKLAEAKLELAE)₄]_(n) CLP 1 [GAP (GPP)₄]_(n) CLP 2 {[GAP(GPP)₄]₂ GPAGPVGSP}_(n) CLP-CB  {[GAP(GPP)₄]₂(GLPGPKGDRGDAGPKGADGSPGPA) GPAGPVGSP}_(n) CLP 3 (GAPGAPGSQGAPGLQ)_(n) Repetitive amino acid sequences of selected protein polymers. SLP = silk like protein; SLPF = SLP containing the RGD sequence from fibronectin; SLPL 3/0 and SLPL 3/1 = SLP containing two difference sequences from laminin protein; ELP = elastin like protein; SELP = silk elastin like protein; CLP = collagen like protein; CLP-CB = CLP containing a cell binding domain from human collagen; KLP = keratin like protein. The nature of the elastinlike blocks, and their length and position within the monomers influences the water solubility of the SELP polymers. For example, decreasing the length and/or content of the silklike block domains, while maintaining the length of the elastinlike block domains, increases the water solubility of the polymers. For a more detailed discussion of the production of SLP's, ELP's, CLP's, SLPF's and SELP's as well as their properties and characteristics see, for example, in J. Cappello et al., Biotechnol. Prog., 6, 198 (1990), the full disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. One preferred SELP, SELP7, has an elastin:silk ratio of 1.33, and has 45% silklike protein material and is believed to have weight average molecular weight of 80,338.

The amount of the biocompatible protein component utilized in the coatable composition will be dependent upon the amount of coatable composition desired in relation to the other components of the stent system and the particular biocompatible protein component chosen for use in the coatable composition. Furthermore, the amount of coatable composition utilized in the coating of the film will be determinative of the size of the film, and thus, the size of the cohesive body and the resulting stent system. That is, inasmuch as the amounts of the remaining components are dependent upon the amount of biocompatible protein component utilized, the amount of biocompatible protein component may be chosen based upon the aforementioned parameters.

Any biocompatible solvent may be utilized in the method and corresponding stent system of the present invention. By using a biocompatible solvent, the risk of adverse tissue reactions to residual solvent remaining in the device after manufacture is minimized. Additionally, the use of a biocompatible solvent reduces the potential structural and/or pharmacological degradation of the pharmacologically active agent that some such pharmacologically active agents undergo when exposed to organic solvents. Suitable biocompatible solvents for use in the method of the present invention include, but are not limited to, water; dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); biocompatible alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol; polyols such as glycerol, various acids, such as formic acid; oils, such as olive oil, peanut oil and the like; ethylene glycol, glycols; and combinations of these and the like. Preferably, the biocompatible solvent comprises water. The amount of biocompatible solvent utilized in the coatable composition will preferably be that amount sufficient to result in the composition being fluid and flowable enough to be coatable. Generally, the amount of biocompatible solvent suitable for use in the method of the present invention to prepare the coatable composition will range from about 50% to about 500%, preferably from about 100% to about 300% by weight, based upon the weight of the biodegradable polymeric material.

In addition to the biocompatible protein(s) and the biocompatible solvent(s), the coacervates or biomaterial that may be utilized in various embodiments of the present invention may include one or more pharmacologically active agents. Generally, the distribution of the pharmacologically active agent is rendered substantially homogenous throughout the resulting protein matrix, coacervate or biomaterial. As used herein, “pharmacologically active agent” generally refers to a pharmacologically active agent having a direct or indirect beneficial therapeutic effect upon introduction into a host. Pharmacologically active agents further includes nutraceuticals. The phrase “pharmacologically active agent” is also meant to indicate prodrug forms thereof. A “prodrug form” of a pharmacologically active agent means a structurally related compound or derivative of the pharmacologically active agent which, when administered to a host is converted into the desired pharmacologically active agent. A prodrug form may have little or none of the desired pharmacological activity exhibited by the pharmacologically active agent to which it is converted. Representative examples of pharmacologically active agents that may be suitable for use in the protein matrix materials, coacervates, or resulting biomaterials utilized in embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, (grouped by therapeutic class):

-   -   Antidiarrhoeals such as diphenoxylate, loperamide and         hyoscyamine;     -   Antihypertensives such as hydralazine, minoxidil, captopril,         enalapril, clonidine, prazosin, debrisoquine, diazoxide,         guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine, trimethaphan;     -   Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem, felodipine,         amlodipine, nitrendipine, nifedipine and verapamil;     -   Antiarrhyrthmics such as amiodarone, flecainide, diisopyramide,         procainamide, mexiletine and quinidine,     -   Antiangina agents such as glyceryl trinitrate, erythrityl         tetranitrate, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, mannitol         hexanitrate, perhexilene, isosorbide dinitrate and nicorandil;     -   Beta-adrenergic blocking agents such as alprenolol, atenolol,         bupranolol, carteolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol,         nadoxolol, oxprenolol, pindolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol         and timolol maleate;     -   Cardiotonic glycosides such as digoxin and other cardiac         glycosides and theophylline derivatives;     -   Adrenergic stimulants such as adrenaline, ephedrine, fenoterol,         isoprenaline, orciprenaline, rimiterol, salbutamol, salmeterol,         terbutaline, dobutamine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine,         pseudoephedrine and dopamine;     -   Vasodilators such as cyclandelate, isoxsuprine, papaverine,         dipyrimadole, isosorbide dinitrate, phentolamine, nicotinyl         alcohol, co-dergocrine, nicotinic acid, glycerol trinitrate,         pentaerythritol tetranitrate and xantinol;     -   Antiproliferative agents such as paclitaxel, actinomycin D,         sirolimus, tacrolimus, everolimus, estradiol and dexamethasone;     -   Antimigraine preparations such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine,         methysergide, pizotifen and sumatriptan;     -   Anticoagulants and thrombolytic agents such as warfarin,         dicoumarol, heparin including low molecular weight heparins such         as enoxaparin, streptokinase and its active derivatives,         chondroitin sulfate, hirudin;     -   Hemostatic agents such as aprotinin, tranexamic acid and         protamine;     -   Analgesics and antipyretics including the opioid analgesics such         as buprenorphine, dextromoramide, dextropropoxyphene, fentanyl,         alfentanil, sufentanil, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine,         oxycodone, papavereturn, pentazocine, pethidine, phenoperidine,         codeine dihydrocodeine; acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin),         paracetamol, and phenazone;     -   Immunosuppressants, antiproliferatives and cytostatic agents         such as rapamycin (sirolimus) and its analogs (everolimus and         tacrolimus);     -   Neurotoxins such as capsaicin, botulinum toxin (botox);     -   Hypnotics and sedatives such as the barbiturates amylobarbitone,         butobarbitone and pentobarbitone and other hypnotics and         sedatives such as chloral hydrate, chlormethiazole, hydroxyzine         and meprobamate;     -   Antianxiety agents such as the benzodiazepines alprazolam,         bromazepam, chlordiazepoxide, clobazam, chlorazepate, diazepam,         flunitrazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam, oxazepam,         temazepam and triazolam;     -   Neuroleptic and antipsychotic drugs such as the phenothiazines,         chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, pericyazine, perphenazine,         promazine, thiopropazate, thioridazine, trifluoperazine; and         butyrophenone, droperidol and haloperidol; and other         antipsychotic drugs such as pimozide, thiothixene and lithium;     -   Antidepressants such as the tricyclic antidepressants         amitryptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, dothiepin, doxepin,         imipramine, nortriptyline, opipramol, protriptyline and         trimipramine and the tetracyclic antidepressants such as         mianserin and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as         isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine and moclobemide and         selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine,         paroxetine, citalopram, fluvoxamine and sertraline;     -   CNS stimulants such as caffeine and 3-(2-aminobutyl) indole;     -   Anti-alzheimer's agents such as tacrine;     -   Anti-Parkinson's agents such as amantadine, benserazide,         carbidopa, levodopa, benztropine, biperiden, benzhexol,         procyclidine and dopamine-2 agonists such as S         (−)-2-(N-propyl-N-2-thienylmethylamino)-5-hydroxytetralin         (N-0923),     -   Anticonvulsants such as phenyloin, valproic acid, primidone,         phenobarbitone, methylphenobarbitone and carbamazepine,         ethosuximide, methsuximide, phensuximide, sulthiame and         clonazepam,     -   Antiemetics and antinauseants such as the phenothiazines         prochloperazine, thiethylperazine and 5HT-3 receptor antagonists         such as ondansetron and granisetron, as well as dimenhydrinate,         diphenhydramine, metoclopramide, domperidone, hyoscine, hyoscine         hydrobromide, hyoscine hydrochloride, clebopride and brompride;     -   Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents including their racemic         mixtures or individual enantiomers where applicable, preferably         which can be formulated in combination with dermal and/or         mucosal penetration enhancers, such as ibuprofen, flurbiprofen,         ketoprofen, aclofenac, diclofenac, aloxiprin, naproxen, aspirin,         diflunisal, fenoprofen, indomethacin, mefenamic acid, naproxen,         phenylbutazone, piroxicam, salicylamide, salicylic acid,         sulindac, desoxysulindac, tenoxicam, tramadol, ketorolac,         flufenisal, salsalate, triethanolamine salicylate, aminopyrine,         antipyrine, oxyphenbutazone, apazone, cintazone, flufenamic         acid, clonixerl, clonixin, meclofenamic acid, flunixin,         colchicine, demecolcine, allopurinol, oxypurinol, benzydamine         hydrochloride, dimefadane, indoxole, intrazole, mimbane         hydrochloride, paranylene hydrochloride, tetrydamine,         benzindopyrine hydrochloride, fluprofen, ibufenac, naproxol,         fenbufen, cinchophen, diflumidone sodium, fenamole, flutiazin,         metazamide, letimide hydrochloride, nexeridine hydrochloride,         octazamide, molinazone, neocinchophen, nimazone, proxazole         citrate, tesicam, tesimide, tolmetin, and triflumidate;     -   Antirheumatoid agents such as penicillamine, aurothioglucose,         sodium aurothiomalate, methotrexate and auranofin;     -   Muscle relaxants such as baclofen, diazepam, cyclobenzaprine         hydrochloride, dantrolene, methocarbamol, orphenadrine and         quinine;     -   Agents used in gout and hyperuricaemia such as allopurinol,         colchicine, probenecid and sulphinpyrazone;     -   Oestrogens such as oestradiol, oestriol, oestrone,         ethinyloestradiol, mestranol, stilboestrol, dienoestrol,         epioestriol, estropipate and zeranol;     -   Progesterone and other progestogens such as allyloestrenol,         dydrogesterone, lynoestrenol, norgestrel, norethynodrel,         norethisterone, norethisterone acetate, gestodene,         levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone and megestrol;     -   Antiandrogens such as cyproterone acetate and danazol;     -   Antioestrogens such as tamoxifen and epitiostanol and the         aromatase inhibitors, exemestane and 4-hydroxy-androstenedione         and its derivatives;     -   Androgens and anabolic agents such as testosterone,         methyltestosterone, clostebol acetate, drostanolone, furazabol,         nandrolone oxandrolone, stanozolol, trenbolone acetate,         dihydro-testosterone, 17-(α-methyl-19-nortestosterone and         fluoxymesterone;     -   5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride, turosteride,         LY-191704 and MK-306;     -   Corticosteroids such as betamethasone, betamethasone valerate,         cortisone, dexamethasone, dexamethasone 21-phosphate,         fludrocortisone, flumethasone, fluocinonide, fluocinonide         desonide, fluocinolone, fluocinolone acetonide, fluocortolone,         halcinonide, halopredone, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone         17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, hydrocortisone         21-acetate, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisolone         21-phosphate, prednisone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone         acetonide;     -   Glycosylated proteins, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans such as         chondroitin sulfate; heparan sulfate, chitin,         acetyl-glucosamine, hyaluronic acid;     -   Complex carbohydrates such as glucans;     -   Further examples of steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as         cortodoxone, fludroracetonide, fludrocortisone, difluorsone         diacetate, flurandrenolone acetonide, medrysone, amcinafel,         amcinafide, betamethasone and its other esters,         chloroprednisone, clorcortelone, descinolone, desonide,         dichlorisone, difluprednate, fluclorinide, flumethasone,         flunisolide, fluocortolone, fluorometholone, fluperolone,         fluprednisolone, meprednisone, methylmeprednisolone,         paramethasone, cortisone acetate, hydrocortisone         cyclopentylpropionate, cortodoxone, flucetonide, fludrocortisone         acetate, flurandrenolone, aincinafal, amcinafide, betamethasone,         betamethasone benzoate, chloroprednisone acetate, clocortolone         acetate, descinolone acetonide, desoximetasone, dichlorisone         acetate, difluprednate, fluclorinide, flumethasone pivalate,         flunisolide acetate, fluperolone acetate, fluprednisolone         valerate, paramethasone acetate, prednisolamate, prednival,         triamcinolone hexacetonide, cortivazol, formocortal and nivazol;     -   Pituitary hormones and their active derivatives or analogs such         as corticotrophin, thyrotropin, follicle stimulating hormone         (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and gonadotrophin releasing         hormone (GnRH);     -   Hypoglycemic agents such as insulin, chlorpropamide,         glibenclamide, gliclazide, glipizide, tolazamide, tolbutamide         and metformin;     -   Thyroid hormones such as calcitonin, thyroxine and liothyronine         and antithyroid agents such as carbimazole and propylthiouracil;     -   Other miscellaneous hormone agents such as octreotide;     -   Pituitary inhibitors such as bromocriptine;     -   Ovulation inducers such as clomiphene;     -   Diuretics such as the thiazides, related diuretics and loop         diuretics, bendrofluazide, chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone,         dopamine, cyclopenthiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide,         mefruside, methycholthiazide, metolazone, quinethazone,         bumetamide, ethacrynic acid and frusemide and potassium sparing         diuretics, spironolactone, amiloride and triamteren;     -   Antidiuretics such as desmopressin, lypressin and vasopressin         including their active derivatives or analogs;     -   Cancer agents such as taxol, paclitaxel and rapamycin;     -   Obstetric drugs including agents acting on the uterus such as         ergometrine, oxytocin and gemeprost;     -   Prostaglandins such as alprostadil (PGE1), prostacyclin (PGI2),         dinoprost (prostaglandin F2-alpha) and misoprostol;     -   Antimicrobials including the cephalosporins such as cephalexin,         cefoxitin and cephalothin;     -   Penicillins such as amoxycillin, amoxycillin with clavulanic         acid, ampicillin,         bacampicillin, benzathine penicillin, benzylpenicillin,         carbenicillin, cloxacillin, methicillin,         phenethicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, flucloxacillin,         meziocillin, piperacillin, ticarcillin and azlocillin;     -   Tetracyclines such as minocycline, chlortetracycline,         tetracycline, demeclocycline, doxycycline, methacycline and         oxytetracycline and other tetracycline-type antibiotics;     -   Aminoglycosides such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin,         neomycin, netilmicin and tobramycin;     -   Antifungals such as amorolfine, isoconazole, clotrimazole,         econazole, miconazole, nystatin, terbinafine, bifonazole,         amphotericin, griseofulvin, ketoconazole, fluconazole and         flucytosine, salicylic acid, fezatione, ticlatone, tolnaftate,         triacetin, zinc, pyrithione and sodium pyrithione;     -   Quinolones such as nalidixic acid, cinoxacin, ciprofloxacin,         enoxacin and norfloxacin;     -   Sulphonamides such as phthalysulphthiazole, sulfadoxine,         sulphadiazine, sulphamethizole and sulphamethoxazole;     -   Sulphones such as dapsone;     -   Other miscellaneous antibiotics such as chloramphenicol,         clindamycin, erythromycin, erythromycin ethyl carbonate,         erythromycin estolate, erythromycin gluceptate, erythromycin         ethylsuccinate, erythromycin lactobionate, roxithromycin,         lincomycin, natamycin, nitrofurantoin, spectinomycin,         vancomycin, aztreonam, colistin IV,         metronidazole, tinidazole, fusidic acid, trimetoprim, and         2-thiopyridine N-oxide; halogen compounds, particularly iodine         and iodine compounds such as iodine-PVP complex and         diiodohydroxyquin, hexachlorophene; chlorhexidine; chloroamine         compounds; and benzoylperoxide;     -   Antituberculosis drugs such as ethambutol, isoniazid,         pyrazinamide, rifampicin and clofazimine;     -   Antimalarials such as primaquine, pyrimethamine, chloroquine,         hydroxychloroquine, quinine, mefloquine and halofantrine;     -   Antiviral agents such as acyclovir and acyclovir prodrugs,         famcyclovir, zidovudine, didanosine, stavudine, lamivudine,         zalcitabine, saquinavir, indinavir, ritonavir, n-docosanol,         tromantadine and idoxuridine;     -   Anthelmintics such as mebendazole, thiabendazole, niclosamide,         praziquantel, pyrantel embonate and diethylcarbamazine;     -   Cytotoxic agents such as plicamycin, cyclophosphamide,         dacarbazine, fluorouracil and its prodrugs (described, for         example, in International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 111, 223-233         (1994)), methotrexate, procarbazine, 6-mercaptopurine and         mucophenolic acid;     -   Anorectic and weight reducing agents including dexfenfluramine,         fenfluramine, diethylpropion, mazindol and phentermine;     -   Agents used in hypercalaemia such as calcitriol,         dihydrotachysterol and their active derivatives or analogs;     -   Antitussives such as ethylmorphine, dextromethorphan and         pholcodine;     -   Expectorants such as carbolcysteine, bromhexine, emetine,         quanifesin, ipecacuanha and saponins;     -   Decongestants such as phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine and         pseudoephedrine;     -   Bronchospasm relaxants such as ephedrine, fenoterol,         orciprenaline, rimiterol, salbutamol, sodium chromoglycate,         cromoglycic acid and its prodrugs (described, for example, in         International Journal of Pharmaceutics 7, 63-75 (1980)),         terbutaline, ipratropium bromide, salmeterol and theophylline         and theophylline derivatives;     -   Antihistamines such as meclozine, cyclizine, chlorocyclizine,         hydroxyzine, brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine,         cyproheptadine, dexchlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine,         diphenylamine, doxylamine, mebhydroline, pheniramine,         triprolidine, azatadine, diphenylpyraline, methdilazine,         terfenadine, astemizole, loratidine and cetirizine;     -   Local anesthetics such as benzocaine, bupivacaine, amethocaine,         lignocaine, lidocaine, cocaine, cinchocaine, dibucaine,         mepivacaine, prilocaine, etidocaine, veratridine (specific         c-fiber blocker) and procaine;     -   Stratum corneum lipids, such as ceramides, cholesterol and free         fatty acids, for improved skin barrier repair [Man, et al. J.         Invest. Dermatol., 106(5), 1096, (1996)];     -   Neuromuscular blocking agents such as suxamethonium, alcuronium,         pancuronium, atracurium, curarie, gallamine, tubocurarine and         vecuronium;     -   Smoking cessation agents such as nicotine, bupropion and         ibogaine;     -   Insecticides and other pesticides which are suitable for local         application;     -   Dermatological agents, such as vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, B12,         B12α, and E, vitamin E acetate and vitamin E sorbate;     -   Allergens for desensitization such as house, dust or mite         allergens;     -   Nutritional agents and nutraceuticals, such as vitamins,         essential amino acids and fats;     -   Macromolecular pharmacologically active agents such as proteins,         enzymes, peptides, polysaccharides (such as cellulose, amylose,         dextran, chitin), nucleic acids, cells, tissues, and the like;     -   Wound healing agents and growth factors that help cells to more         closely mend wounds to regenerate host tissue to its original         form, such as polypeptide growth factors (e.g. EGF, FGF, PDGF,         TGF, VEGF, NGF, HGH)     -   Bone mending biochemicals such as calcium carbonate, calcium         phosphate, hydroxyapatite or bone morphogenic protein (BMP);     -   Angiogenic growth factors such as Vascular Endothelial Growth         Factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EFG), cytokines         interleukins, fibroblasts and cytotoxic chemicals; and,     -   Keratolytics such as the alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid and         salicylic acid; and     -   DNA, RNA or other oligonucleotides.

The stent systems as disclosed herein may also be utilized for DNA delivery, either naked DNA, plasma DNA or any size DNA delivery. Also, the protein matrix may be utilized for delivery of RNA types of senses, or oligonucleotides that may be man-made portions of DNA or RNA. The protein matrix could also be utilized for delivery of compounds, as explained anywhere herein, in ovum or in embryos, as the site for implantation of the protein matrix.

The DNA, RNA or oligonucleotide may be incorporated into the protein matrix utilizing the same process of making the stent system as described above. The only difference would be that the pharmacological active agents utilized would be the DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides and other such materials. In one example, a cohesive body may be produced by making a composition containing one or more biocompatible proteins, one or more biocompatible solvents, one or more stents and an antisense type material. In general the complementary strand of a coding sequence of DNA is the cDNA and the complementary strand of mRNA is the antisense RNA. In various embodiments of the present invention, antisense material delivered by a stent system of the present invention binds with mRNA, thereby preventing it from making the protein.

Two of the advantages of including DNA, RNA or oligonucleotides in a stent system is that such a system includes the benefits of local drug delivery to target cells and to have a controlled time release component so that there is an extended delivery period. An additional advantage to delivery of DNA, RNA or oligonucleotides components is that the DNA, RNA or oligonucleotides components can be released in a systematic and controlled manner over a long period of time. For example, when the antisense components bind with RNA, the body tends to cleave the RNA thereby inhibiting protein production. The biological system responds by making more RNA to make proteins. The stent system provides delivery of additional antisense components in a location for an extended period of time, thereby blocking the production of the undesired protein. Also the biocompatibility of the protein matrix material enhances the binding characteristics of the antisense components to their proper binding sites. Since the protein matrix material can be fabricated or produced to resemble the host tissue, the host cells are able to better interact with the administered protein matrix device, thereby facilitating the binding of the complimentary antisense components delivered by the protein matrix with the DNA and RNA in the host cells.

The protein matrix and/or biocoacervate material used in embodiments of the present invention is particularly advantageous for the encapsulation/incorporation of macromolecular pharmacologically active agents such as proteins, enzymes, peptides, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, cells, tissues, and the like. Immobilization of macromolecular pharmacologically active agents into or onto a finite location of the body can be difficult due to the ease with which some of these macromolecular agents denature when exposed to organic solvents, some constituents present in bodily fluids or to temperatures appreciably higher than room temperature. However, since the method of the present invention, as well as the protein matrix and/or coacervate materials formed by the method described herein utilize bio compatible solvents such as water, DMSO or ethanol, and furthermore does not require heating or utilizes mild heating, the risk of the denaturation of these types of materials is reduced. Furthermore, due to the size of these macromolecular pharmacologically active agents, these agents are encapsulated within the protein matrix and/or biocoacervate upon implantation of stent systems in accordance with the present invention, and thereby are protected from constituents of bodily fluids that would otherwise denature them. Thus, the protein matrix and coacervate devices of the present invention allow these macromolecular agents may exert their therapeutic effects, while yet protecting them from denaturation or other structural degradation.

Cells may also be included in the protein matrix or biocoacervate material of the stent systems of the present invention. Examples of cells which can be utilized as the pharmacologically active agent in the stent system of the present invention include primary cultures as well as established cell lines, including transformed cells. Examples of these include, but are not limited to pancreatic islet cells, human foreskin fibroblasts, Chinese hamster ovary cells, beta cell insulomas, lymphoblastic leukemia cells, mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, dopamine secreting ventral mesencephalon cells, neuroblastold cells, adrenal medulla cells, T-cells combinations of these, and the like. As can be seen from this partial list, cells of all types, including dermal, neural, bone, blood, organ, stem (e.g. multipotent, pluripotent and/or progenitor cells), muscle, glandular, reproductive and immune system cells, as well as cells of all species of origin, can be encapsulated successfully by this method.

Also, other proteins, enzymes, and other agents may be included as pharmacologically active agents in the protein matrix and/or coacervate material utilized in the stent systems of the present invention. Examples of proteins which can be incorporated into the protein-based materials of the present invention include, but are not limited to, hemoglobin, vasopressin, oxytocin, adrenocorticocotrophic hormone, desmopressin epidermal growth factor, prolactin, luliberin or luteinising hormone releasing factor, human growth factor, and the like; enzymes such as adenosine deaminase, superoxide dismutase, xanthine oxidase, and the like; enzyme systems; blood clotting factors; clot inhibitors or clot dissolving agents such as streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator; antigens for immunization; hormones; polysaccharides such as heparin; oligonucleotides; bacteria and other microbial microorganisms including viruses; monoclonal antibodies; vitamins; cofactors; retroviruses for gene therapy, combinations of these and the like.

Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention includes the incorporation of pancreatic islet cells within the biocompatible protein-based material that surrounds, covers or contacts the one or more stents. The stent system that includes the pancreatic islet cells may be implanted in a vessel wherein the islet cells are in line with the circulatory system to provide an optimum environment for their proper function e.g. insulin production and release in response to blood glucose levels. It is noted that the stent system in this embodiment may include only, one stent or may include multiple stents.

An efficacious amount of the aforementioned pharmacologically active agent(s) can easily be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art taking into consideration such parameters as the particular pharmacologically active agent chosen, the size and weight of the patient, the desired therapeutic effect, the pharmacokinetics of the chosen pharmacologically active agent, and the like, as well as by reference to well known resources such as Physicians' Desk Reference®: PDR—52 ed (1998)—Medical Economics 1974. In consideration of these parameters, it has been found that a wide range exists in the amount of the pharmacologically active agent(s) capable of being incorporated into, and subsequently released from or alternatively allowed to exert the agent's therapeutic effects from within, the stent system. More specifically, the amount of pharmacologically active agent that may be incorporated into and then either released from or active from within the protein-based material may range from about 0.001% to about 200%, more preferably, from about 0.05% to about 100%, most preferably from about 0.1% to 70%, based on the weight of the biocompatible protein-based material.

In addition to the biocompatible protein material(s), the biocompatible solvent(s) and pharmacologically active agent(s), the protein-based materials utilized in various embodiments of the present invention advantageously may themselves incorporate other drug delivery devices that would otherwise typically migrate away from the desired delivery site and/or are potentially undesirably reactive with surrounding bodily fluids or tissues. Such migration is undesirable in that the therapeutic effect of the pharmacological agents encapsulated therein may occur away from the desired site, thus eliminating the advantage of localized delivery. When a stent system incorporating a migration-vulnerable and/or reactive drug delivery device (hereinafter referred to as a “two-stage protein based stent system”) is subsequently implanted, the migration-vulnerable and/or reactive drug delivery device(s) is/are held in place and protected by the two-stage protein-based materials. More particularly, once implanted and/or administered, the pharmacologically active agent(s) is released by the biodegradable and/or biocompatible material of the migration-vulnerable drug delivery device as it degrades or releases the agent(s). Then the pharmacologically active agents diffuse through the protein-based materials of the two-stage protein-based stent system or is released with the degradation of or diffusion through the protein-based material used in embodiments of the present invention.

Furthermore, the compressed cohesive body or biocoacervate utilized in embodiments of the stent systems of the present invention reduces, if not prevents, the potential for undesirable reaction with bodily fluids or tissues that may otherwise occur upon implantation of a reactive foreign material or device without the protective protein-based material encapsulating or coating such a material or device. It has been shown that the protein-based materials act as a biocompatible, hemocompatible barrier layer that inhibit growth of tissue into the reopened passageways and also act as a wound healing device that can be remodeled and/or resorbed by the host tissue. Examples of such second stage delivery devices subject to migration from the delivery site include, but are not limited to, vesicles, e.g., liposomes, lipospheres and microspheres. Vesicles are made up of microparticles or colloidal carriers composed of lipids, carbohydrates or synthetic polymer matrices and are commonly used in liquid drug delivery devices. Vesicles, for example, have been used to deliver anesthetics using formulations with polylactic acid, lecithin, iophendylate and phosphatidyl choline and cholesterol. For a discussion of the characteristics and efficiency of drug delivery from vesicles, see, e.g., Wakiyama et al., Chem., Pharm. Bull., 30, 3719 (1982) and Haynes et al., Anesthiol, 74, 105 (1991), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Liposomes, the most widely studied type of vesicle, can be formulated to include a wide variety of compositions and structures that are potentially non-toxic, biodegradable and non-immunogenic. Furthermore, studies are in progress to create liposomes that release more drug in response to changes in their environment, including the presence of enzymes or polycations or changes in pH. For a review of the properties and characteristics of liposomes see, e.g., Langer, Science, 249, 1527 (1990); and Langer, Ann. Biomed. Eng., 23, 101 (1995), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Lipospheres are an aqueous microdispersion of water insoluble, spherical microparticles (from U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,837, issued to Domb, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Microspheres typically comprise a biodegradable polymer matrix incorporating a drug. Microspheres can be formed by a wide variety of techniques known to those of skill in the art. Examples of microsphere forming techniques include, but are not limited to, (a) phase separation by emulsification and subsequent organic solvent evaporation (including complex emulsion methods such as oil in water emulsions, water in oil emulsions and water-oil-water emulsions); (b) coacervation-phase separation; (c) melt dispersion; (d) interfacial deposition; (e) in situ polymerization; (f) spray drying and spray congealing; (g) air suspension coating; and (h) pan and spray coating. These methods, as well as properties and characteristics of microspheres are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,441; U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,669; U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,938; WO 93/24150; EPA 0258780 A2, U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,253; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,768, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Inasmuch as the migration-vulnerable and/or reactive drug delivery devices will desirably further encapsulate a pharmacologically active agent, the amount of these devices to be utilized in the two-stage protein-based stent systems of the present invention may be determined by the dosage of the pharmacologically active agent, as determined and described hereinabove. Inasmuch as such migration-vulnerable and/or reactive drug delivery devices represent solid matter that may change the ability of the coatable composition to be coated or included in the coacervate material, the amount of such devices to be included in a two-stage protein-based stent system desirably ranges about 10,000 to about 1 billion, more preferably ranges from about 1 million to about 500 million, and most preferably ranges from about 200 million to about 400 million.

Additionally, the stent systems formed according to the method of the present invention may optionally include one or more additives added to the protein-based materials. Such additives may be utilized, for example, to facilitate the processing of the stent systems, to stabilize the pharmacologically active agents, to facilitate the activity of the pharmacologically active agents, or to alter the release characteristics of the protein matrix device. For example, when the pharmacologically active agent is to be an enzyme, such as xanthine oxidase or superoxide dismutase, the protein matrix device may further comprise an amount of an enzyme substrate, such as xanthine, to facilitate the action of the enzyme.

Additionally, hydrophobic substances such as lipids can be incorporated into the stent system as additives to extend the duration of drug release, while hydrophilic, polar additives, such as salts and amino acids, can be added to facilitate, i.e., shorten the duration of, drug release. Exemplary hydrophobic substances include lipids, e.g., tristearin, ethyl stearate, phosphatidycholine, polyethylene glycol (PEG); fatty acids, e.g., sebacic acid, erucic acid; combinations of these and the like. A particularly preferred hydrophobic additive useful to extend the release of the pharmacologically active agents comprises a combination of a dimer of erucic acid and sebacic acid, wherein the ratio of the dimer of erucic acid to sebacic acid is 1:4. Exemplary hydrophilic additives useful to shorten the release duration of the pharmacologically active agent include but are not limited to, salts, such as sodium chloride; and amino acids, such as glutamine and glycine. If additives are to be incorporated into the coatable composition, they will preferably be included in an amount so that the desired result of the additive is exhibited.

Additionally, other additives, such as one or more polymeric materials, may be included in the increase or decrease of the release of pharmacologically active agents. Examples of biodegradable and/or biocompatible polymeric materials suitable for use in the drug delivery device of the present invention include, but are not limited to epoxies, polyesters, acrylics, nylons, silicones, polyanhydride, polyurethane, polycarbonate, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), polycaprolactone, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, poly(vinyl chloride), polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polypropylene oxide, poly(alkylene)glycol, polyoxyethylene, sebacic acid, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), polymethyl methacrylate, 1,3-bis(carboxyphenoxy)propane, lipids, phosphatidylcholine, triglycerides, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly ortho esters, poly (amino acids), polycyanoacrylates, polyphosphazenes, polysulfone, polyamine, poly (amido amines), fibrin, graphite, flexible fluoropolymer, isobutyl-based, isopropyl styrene, vinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose acetate dibutyrate, silicone rubber, copolymers of these, and the like. Other materials that may be incorporated into the matrix as additives that are not considered polymers, but provide enhanced features include, but are not limited to, glycerin, ceramics, bioceramics, glasses bioglasses, glass-ceramics, resin cement, resin fill; more specifically, glass ionomer, hydroxyapatite, calcium sulfate, Al₂O₃, tricalcium phosphate, alginate, carbon, hyaluronic acid, calcium phosphate salts, sugars, lipoproteins, starches, ferrous salts and compounds, carbohydrates, salts, polysaccharides, magnetic particles, fibers or other magnetic substances, mucoadhesive enhancers such as glycerol and alginate, absorption or membrane permeation enhancers such as ascorbic acid, citric acid and Lauroylcarnitine. Additional other materials that may be incorporated into the matrix included alloys such as, cobalt-based, galvanic-based, stainless steel-based, titanium-based, zirconium oxide, zirconia, aluminum-based, vanadium-based, molybdenum-based, nickel-based, iron-based, or zinc-based (zinc phosphate, zinc polycarboxylate).

Generally, the amount of additives may vary between from about 0% to about 300%, preferably from about 100% to 200% by weight, based upon the weight of the biocompatible protein material.

Manufacturing stent systems with the method of the present invention imparts many advantageous qualities to the resulting stent systems. First of all, the resulting stent system is substantially cohesive and durable, i.e., with a solvent content of from about 10% to about 60%, preferably of from about 30% to about 50%. Thus, administration of the stent system is made easy, inasmuch as it may be easily handled to be injected or implanted. Furthermore, once injected or implanted, some embodiments of the biocompatible protein-based material may absorb water and swell, thereby assisting the stent system to stay substantially in the location where it was implanted or injected. Also, the components and the amounts thereof to be utilized in the stent system may be selected so as to optimize the rate of delivery of the pharmacologically active agent depending upon the desired therapeutic effect and pharmacokinetics of the chosen pharmacologically active agent.

Also, since biocompatible solvents are used in the manufacture of the stent systems, the potential for adverse tissue reactions to chemical solvents are reduced, if not substantially precluded. For all of these reasons, stent systems in accordance with the present invention may advantageously be used to effect a local therapeutic result in a patient in need of such treatment. The stent system may be delivered to a site within a patient to initiate a therapeutic effect either locally or systemically. Depending on the desired therapeutic effect, the stent systems may be used to regenerate tissue, repair tissue, replace tissue, and deliver local and systemic therapeutic agents such as restenosis inhibitors, analgesia or anesthesia, or alternatively, may be used to treat specific conditions, such as coronary artery disease; peripheral blood vessel disease, heart valve failure, bronchial tube damage, airway damage, diabetes, neurovasculature afflictions, aneurisms, provide support to weakened structures (e.g. heart valves, venous valves, heart wall, nasal sinuses, arteries, urinary tracts, reproductive tracts, airways, digestive tracts, ear canal) and other tissue specific conditions. Stent systems that include pharmacologically active agents may be utilized in instances where long term, sustained, controlled release of pharmacologically active agents is desirable.

Furthermore, the stent systems of the present invention may incorporate multiple pharmacologically active agents, one or more of which may be agents that are effective to suppress an immune and/or inflammatory response. In this regard, the stent systems will deter, or substantially prevent the encapsulation or formation of scar tissue that typically occurs when a foreign body is introduced into a host. Such encapsulation or fibrous tissue formation could potentially have the undesirable effect of limiting the efficacy of the stent system.

In another embodiment of the present invention the stent system may utilize a biocoacervate material rather than or in combination with the previously described protein matrix material. In general, the biocoacervates, utilized in various embodiments of the present invention generally include one or more proteins, one or more glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans or mucopolysaccharides and one or more biocompatible solvents. Also, the biocoacervates may include one or more pharmacologically active agents and/or one or more additives to provide a therapeutic agent or enhance the properties desired from the material. Any of the proteins, solvents, pharmacologically active agents and additives listed above may be used in producing the biocoacervate. However, it is noted that generally the proteins are soluble or are solubilized and have an affinity to bind with proteoglycans. The proteins used thereby include functional groups that attract and retain the proteoglycans. In many embodiments of the present invention, the biocoacervates include water-absorbing, biocompatible proteins. The utilization of a water-absorbing biocompatible protein included in the biocoacervate provides the advantage that, not only will the biocoacervates be bioresorbable, but may remodel to mimic and support the tissue it contacts. That is, the metabolites of any degradation and/or resorption of the water-absorbing biocompatible protein may be reused by the patient's body rather than excreted.

As previously indicated, the biocoacervates utilized in various embodiments of the present invention also include one or more glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans or mucopolysaccharides. Examples of proteoglycans that are utilized in the coacervates and biomaterials of the present invention include but are not limited to heparin, heparin sulfate, heparan, dermatin, dermatin sulfate, heparin-hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, aggrecan, decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin, lumican, combinations, proteoglycan complexes or compounds and the like.

It is also noted that the additives may be added at any time during the preparation of the coacervate or to a subsequently formulated biomaterial. For example additives, such as particles (drugs, proteins . . . ), macromolecules (DNA, proteins, peptides . . . ), small molecules (NSAIDS, Sufentanil, capsaicin . . . ), combinations thereof and the like may be added to the protein solution or may be added to the molten coacervate. For example, additives, such as polyethylene glycol, hydroxy appetite and glycerol may be added during the formation of the coacervate, may be added to the coacervate in a melted state or could be loaded into a coacervated following stabilization by a crosslinking agent. Such addition techniques has the benefit of distributing the additive homogeneously throughout the coacervate or biomaterial. If additives are to be incorporated into the coacervates or biomaterials of the present invention, they will preferably be included in an amount so that the desired result of the additive is exhibited. Generally, if additives are included, the amount of additives may vary between from about 0.05% to about 300%, preferably from about 2% to 200% by weight, and most preferably from about 5% to 50% by weight based upon the weight of the biocompatible protein material.

One method of producing the coacervate of the present invention is by providing one or more selected soluble or solubilized primary proteins, such as collagen or fibronectin and optionally one or more soluble or solubilized secondary proteins such as elastin or albumin. Generally, the primary proteins are proteins that have a plurality of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans or mucopolysaccharides binding sites. The primary and secondary proteins are added to a sufficient amount of biocompatible solvent, preferably water, under heat until the proteins are substantially dissolved in the solvent. The proteins are added to the solvent that is generally heated to approximately 20-150° C., preferably 40-90° C., and most preferably 40-60° C. thereby producing a protein solution. Once the protein solution is formed, one or more proteoglycans, such as heparin or chondroitin sulfate are added to the protein solution thereby forming the amorphous coacervate that falls out of the solution as a precipitate. It is noted that before adding the one or more proteoglycans to the protein solution one or more other materials (pharmacologically active agents, additives, etc.) may be added to the one or more heated solvents (water) while stirring. Next, the solution and coacervate are normally allowed to cool to between 0-35° C., preferably 10-25° C., most preferably 17-22° C. and the solution is poured off the coacerate or the coacervate is extracted from the solution. Various embodiments of the formed biocoacervate may be reformed into any shape and size by simply heating the biocoacervate until it melts and forms a liquid. Generally, the biocoacervate can be melted at a temperature between 20-120° C., preferably 25-80° C., most preferably 30-65° C. Next, the melted biocoacervate may be poured into a mold and allowed to cool or allowed to reform into a solid outside of a mold, thereby reforming into the desired shape and size. FIG. 4 depicts the biocoacervate of the present invention cut into a square shape.

It is noted that in forming the protein solution, the primary and secondary proteins, the biocompatible solvent(s), and optionally the pharmacologically active agent(s) and additive(s) may be combined in any manner. For example, these components may simply be combined in one step, or alternatively, the primary and secondary protein materials may be dissolved in a biocompatible solvent and an additional protein material, pharmacologically active agent and/or additive may be dissolved and/or suspended in the same or another biocompatible solvent and then the resulting two solutions are mixed.

Preferably, the biocompatible solvent comprises water. The amount of biocompatible solvent utilized in the formation of the coacervate utilized in embodiments of the present invention will preferably be that amount sufficient to result in the primary and secondary proteins being fluid and flowable enough to allow the protein to enter into solution. Generally, the amount of biocompatible solvent suitable for use in the method of the present invention will range from about 100% to about 50,000%, preferably from about 500% to about 10,000% by weight, and more preferably from about 500% to about 2000% by weight, based upon the weight and/or amount of the protein utilized.

Once the coacervate is formed, it may be optionally compressed to further form, modify, set the configuration and/or remove any excess solvent or air trapped within the biocoacervate. The compression may also be performed when a melted coacervate is resetting to a solid state. The compression steps may be utilized to form a stent system by placing the coacervate and stent into a compression chamber and forming the coacervate over the stent by applying compression. Any manually or automatically operable mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical molding device capable of subjecting the coacervate to pressure is suitable for use in the method of the present invention. An example of such a compression device is described above. In the production of various embodiments of the present invention, a molding device may be utilized that is capable of applying a pressure of from about 100 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 100,000 psi for a time period of from about 2 seconds to about 48 hours. Preferably, the molding device used in the method of the present invention will be capable of applying a pressure of from about 1000 psi to about 30,000 psi for a time period of from about 10 seconds to about 60 minutes. More preferably, the molding device used in the method of the present invention will be capable of applying a pressure of from about 3,000 psi to about 25,000 psi for a time period of from about one minute to about ten minutes.

The biocoacervate of the present invention is generally not soluble in water at room temperature biocoacervate by setting or stabilizing the biocoacervate in a desired configuration and size by utilizing a crosslinking technique.

Embodiments of the stent system utilizing either a compressed protein matrix or a biocoacervate may be crosslinked by reacting the components of the protein matrix or coacervate with a suitable and biocompatible crosslinking agent. Crosslinking agents that may be utilized to stabilize a protein matrix or coacervate include, but are not limited to glutaraldehyde, p-Azidobenzolyl Hydazide, N-5-Azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide, 4-[p-Azidosalicylamido]butylamine, any other suitable crosslinking agent and any combination thereof. A description and list of various crosslinking agents and a disclosure of methods of performing crosslinking steps with such agents may be found in the Pierce Endogen 2001-2002 Catalog which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Furthermore, it is noted that embodiments of the stent system of the present invention may include crosslinking reagents that may be initiated and thereby perform the crosslinking process by UV light activation or other radiation source, such as ultrasound, E-Beam or gamma ray or any other activation means.

The protein matrix or coacervate may be crosslinked by utilizing methods generally known in the art. For example, a protein matrix may be partially or entirely crosslinked by exposing, contacting and/or incubating the stent system with a gaseous crosslinking reagent, liquid crosslinking reagent, light or combination thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention a tube may be crosslinked on the outside surface by exposing only the outside surface to a crosslinking reagent, such as glutaraldehyde. Such a matrix or a biomaterial formed from a coacervate has the advantages of including an outer exterior that is very pliable and possesses greater mechanical characteristics, but includes an interior surface that retains higher biofunctional features. For example, cell growth may be controlled on portions of the protein matrix or biomaterial by exposing such areas to crosslinking reagents while still having portions of the same protein matrix that are not crosslinked, and thereby producing biofunctional selective features for the entire stent system. For example crosslinking portions of the protein matrix or coacervate may be used to change, modify and/or inhibit cell attachment. It is also noted that the pharmacologically active agent may also be crosslinked, bonded and/or chemically and/or physically linked to protein matrix or biocoacervate either partially or in totality. For example, glutaraldehyde may cross-link heparin to a single surface of a protein matrix device.

Embodiments of the present invention may include the addition of reagents to properly pH the resulting stent system and thereby enhance the biocompatible characteristics of the device with the host tissue of which it is to be administered and/or to enhance the production of the protein-base materials. When preparing the protein matrix or biomaterial device, the pH steps of the biocompatible material and biocompatible solvent may occur prior to the partial drying preparation of the cohesive body or during the formation of the coacervate. The pH steps can be started with the addition of biocompatible solvent to the protein material or to the mixture of protein material and optional biocompatible materials, or the pH steps can be started after mixing the material(s) and solvent(s) together before the cohesive body or biocoacervate is formed. Alternatively, the pH steps may occur after the formation of the cohesive body or in the melted phase of a formed coacervate by simply adding a pH modifier to the cohesive body or melted coacervate. In one embodiment, the pH steps can include the addition of drops of 0.05N to 4.0N acid or base to the solvent wetted material until the desired pH is reached as indicated by a pH meter, pH paper or any pH indicator. More preferably, the addition of drops of 0.1N-0.5 N acid or base are used. Although any acid or base may be used, the preferable acids and bases are HCl and NaOH, respectively. If known amounts of biocompatible material are used it may be possible to add acid or base to adjust the pH when the biocompatible material is first wetted, thereby allowing wetting and pH adjustments to occur in one step.

The patient to which the stent system or stent device is administered may be any patient in need of a therapeutic treatment. Preferably, the patient is a mammal, reptiles or birds. More preferably, the patient is a human. Furthermore, the stent system can be implanted in any location to which it is desired to effect a local therapeutic response.

All types of stents, including those known in the art, may be utilized in association with the present invention. Generally, a stent is a tube made of metal or plastic that is inserted into a vessel or passage to keep the lumen open and prevent closure due to a stricture or external compression. Other stent embodiments may be a plastic or metal mesh structure. An example of a mesh stent encapsulated in a protein matrix material is depicted in FIGS. 5-7. Other mesh stents may be produced from plastics or fibers, such as PTFE, polypropylene, polyethylene, silk cotton and the like. As depicted one or more of such mesh stents may be encapsulated, embedded or attached to a tube of protein matrix material or biocoacervate material.

Stents are commonly used to keep blood vessels open in the coronary arteries, into the esophagus for strictures or cancer, the ureter to maintain drainage from the kidneys, or the bile duct for pancreatic cancer or cholangiocarcinoma. Stents are also commonly utilized in other vascular and neural applications to keep blood vessels open and provide structural stability to the vessel. Embodiments of the current invention may also be used to provide support to weakened structures (e.g. heart valves, venous valves, heart wall, nasal sinuses, arteries, urinary tracts, reproductive tracts, airways, digestive tracts, ear canal). Embodiments of the present invention may also be utilized as vessel grafts. Stents are usually inserted under radiological guidance and can be inserted percutaneously. Stents are commonly made of gold, nitinol, stainless steel or various plastics. Gold is considered more biocompatible. However, stents constructed with any suitable material may be utilized with the protein matrix or biocoacervate in various embodiments of the present invention. One example of a stent that may be utilized with the present invention includes weaved materials or braided materials such as metals (e.g. nitinol), plastics (e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, PTFE, polyester) and fibers (e.g. cotton, silk).

Encapsulation or coating of one or more stents with the protein matrix material or coacervate of the present invention produces a device that is more biocompatible with the host tissue than the stent alone. Such encapsulation, embedding, attaching or coating of the stent reduces or prevents adverse immuno-response reactions to the stent being administered and further enhances acceptance and remodeling of the stent system by the host tissue.

The protein matrix material or biocoacervate may completely encapsulate or otherwise coat the exterior of the one or more stents. Generally, the encapsulated or coated stent system is made in a similar process as described above. FIG. 8 depicts a compression molding device wherein the inner insert 18 includes a mandrel 29 that extends upward from the insert 18 into the chamber 17. Pursuant to one method of preparation, following preparation of the cohesive body 23 or coacervate (not shown), inner insert 18 is inserted into the cavity 16. A stent 32 is next positioned over the mandrel 29 and the cohesive body 22 is placed in the cavity and compressed. If the coacervate is utilized, the coacervate may be melted, placed in the cavity, allowed to cool to reform and subsequently compressed. Encapsulation or coating of the stent 32 is determined by the size of the mandrel 29 utilized in the compression molding device. A stent 32 that fits snuggly over the mandrel 29 will allow for only a coating upon the exterior of the stent 32. A smaller mandrel 29 that does not provide as snug a fit for the stent 32 will allow protein matrix material to move between the mandrel 29 and the stent 32 thereby creating an encapsulation of the stent 32. The encapsulated or coated stent device is then removed from the compression molding device in a similar way as described above and shown in FIG. 3. The stent device, either encapsulated or coated generally has a wall thickness of approximately 0.05 mm to 2 mm and preferably has a wall thickness of 0.15 to 0.50 mm. It is noted that a stent 32 may be coated with the melted biocoacervate by utilizing a number of other techniques including, but not limited to, spray coating, dip coating and the like.

As previously described additional polymeric and other biocompatible materials may be included in the protein matrix material to provide additional structural stability and durability to the encapsulated or coated stent device. Also, other structural materials, such as proteoglycans, can be used in this process to add greater tissue imitation and biocompatibility. In various embodiments, the proteoglycans can replace or be mixed with the protein material in the production of the protein matrix material.

Additionally, as previously described, the protein matrix material or biocoacervate biomaterial included in the encapsulated or coated stent cover may be cross-linked to provide additional desirable features such as the inhibition of cell growth or to provide additional structural durability and stability. For example the protein matrix material of the encapsulated or coated stent device may be crosslinked by contacting the material with a chemical reagent, such as glutaraldehyde, or other type of crosslinking reagent. FIG. 7 depicts various views of a tube made of collagen, elastin and heparin that has been crosslinked by being exposed to a 1% solution of glutaraldehyde for 5 minutes. FIGS. 5 and 6 are additional examples that depict additional embodiments of encapsulated and coated stents. FIG. 5 depicts an encapsulated stent device including a protein matrix material comprising a 1:1 ratio of elastin to albumen (bovine serum albumin).

Other embodiments of the stent device of the present invention may be produced by preparing a stent device that includes a ratio of 2:1:2 collagen to elastin to albumen, 4:1 collagen to elastin, 1:4:15 heparin to elastin to collagen, 1:4:15 chondroitin to elastin to collagen. Each embodiment depicted in the Figures illustrates the uniform distribution of the protein matrix material around the stent and also has been tested to show the strength and durability of the stent after expansion by a balloon.

Furthermore, the stent devices can also be used to incorporate peptides and other pharmacologically active agents that have the ability to inhibit cell migration. A disadvantage of utilizing stents in a vessel is that the expansion of the vessel upon insertion of stent weakens the vessel and may allow smooth muscle cells to enter into the vessels thereby occluding or restinosing the vessel. Occlusion of the vessel and restinosis can be treated by utilizing the stent device and vessels or tube grafts of the present invention. It is important to note that inserting a stent with or without drugs can prevent such breakdown and growth of cells into the diseased or damaged vessel.

Embodiments of the protein matrix covered stent system may include other materials already covering one or more of the stents, e.g., teflon, PTFE, ePTFE, plastics, and gels. Furthermore, in some of the embodiments of the stent system at least one other stent may be uncovered. The configuration could be that protein matrix material or biocoacervate is placed around the other material or that the protein matrix material encases the other material used for covering the stent. The protein matrix material may either be encasing the stent or it may be sandwiched between multiple stents. The covered stent will reduce the amount of plaque that gets into the bloodstream after balloon angioplasty.

The following are examples of various stent embodiments that may be utilized in the stent systems of the present invention. It is noted that these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the application wherein any stent coated or encapsulated with the protein matrix or biocoacervate is contemplated as a part of the present invention. However, the following embodiments may also be considered in combination with other types of coating or encapsulation materials.

One embodiment of the present invention includes single strand stents. Single strand stents generally include a single strand of a suitable material, such as gold, nitinol, stainless steel biodegradable polymers, plastic and combinations thereof, that is shaped to provide a structural scaffolding, which supports the walls of the host tissue surrounding it. In various embodiments, the single strand stents are encapsulated in a protein matrix or biocoacervate material to form a tube. However, simple coating of the single strand stent is also considered. FIGS. 9 a-b, 10 a-b, 11 a-b, 12 and 13 depict a few embodiments of the single strand stents. Generally, the single strand stents utilized in the present invention may include metallic or polymeric spring, ring or any wire shape support that collapses for insertion into a catheter and then expands when deployed from the catheter to hold the stent against the blood vessel wall. The spring, ring or wire may be made out of any suitable material, such as gold, nitinol, stainless steel, polymeric material or rubber. The material in these various embodiments may also be biodegradable and/or bioresorbable. The spring, ring or wire is generally made so that it can collapse on its side and elongate to reduce its size so as to fit within a delivery catheter. As previously suggested, one or more springs, rings or wire stents can be completely encapsulated within a tube structure of protein matrix material or coacervate biomaterial. The encapsulated spring, ring or wire stent can be reduced in size so that it fits within a catheter assembly without the use of a balloon to deploy it. The encapsulated spring, ring or wire stent assembly can be reduced in size to fit within a delivery catheter that only needs to be freed from the catheter. After the protein matrix material spring, ring or wire stent is freed from the catheter the spring, ring or wire stent will open with greater force than a tube without the spring, ring or wire stent. The spring, ring or wire stent will add greater force against the vessel wall to hold the protein matrix or coacervate material securely in place. Additionally, such stent system embodiments may also be utilized as vessel grafts to join a separated native vessel or weakened tissue site when a section of the native vessel or tissue has been removed or cut. Therefore, the stent systems of the present invention may be utilized as a traditional vessel graft in addition to their uses as endovascular grafts.

FIGS. 9 a-16 depict metallic or polymeric springs, rings or wires in the shape of a loop (e.g., part of spring, shape of letter o, c or e where the tails go in different directions and come close to forming an e or o when looked at from a side perspective viewpoint). The single strands are generally configured to perform one or more loops around the lumen or passageway. FIGS. 9 a and 9 b depict one embodiment of a single strand stent 34 that may be utilized as a loop strut for maintaining the clearance of a passageway. The single strand stent 34 of FIGS. 9 a and 9 b generally includes a single strand 36 that is twisted in a single helix configuration and includes a blunt distal end 38 and proximal end 40. FIG. 9 a depicts a front view of the single strand stent 36 in a helical configuration that illustrates the open loop strut configuration, which provides an open lumen for the passageway. FIG. 9 b depicts the side view of the same single strand stent 34 depicted in FIG. 9 a. Finally, FIG. 9 c illustrates another embodiment of the helical stent 34 wherein the proximal and distal ends, 38,40 are joined with a joining member 41. The joining member 39 may be a single strand similar to the type utilized to produce the helical stent 34 or may be made of a material different than the helical stent 34.

FIGS. 10 a-b depicts another embodiment of a single strand stent of the present invention. The single strand stent 42 depicted in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are shaped in an “e” configuration. The e-stent 42 generally include a single strand 36 that is twisted in an “e” shape configuration and includes a blunt distal end 38 and proximal end 40. FIG. 10 a depicts a front view of the single strand stent 42 in the “e” configuration and illustrates the open loop strut configuration, which provides an open lumen for the passageway. FIG. 10 b depicts the side view of the same single strand stent 42 depicted in FIG. 10 a.

FIGS. 11 a-b depicts another embodiment of a single strand stent of the present invention. The single strand stent 44 depicted in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b are shaped in a “figure eight” configuration. The eight-stent 44 generally include a single strand 36 that is twisted in a “figure eight” shape configuration and includes a blunt distal end 38 and proximal end 40. Optionally, the distal and proximal ends 38, 40 may be joined to form an eight-stent 44 that has a continuous strand 36 (not shown). FIG. 11 a depicts a front view of the single strand stent 44 in the “figure eight” configuration and illustrates the open loop strut configuration, which provides an open lumen for the passageway. FIG. 11 b depicts the side view of the same single strand stent 44 depicted in FIG. 11 a.

Other additional single strand stent embodiments include the utilization of two or more o-rings, c-rings or oval-rings. FIGS. 12-14 disclose embodiments of such an o-ring 46, c-ring 48 and oval-ring 50. Generally the o-ring 46, c-ring 48 and oval-ring 50 include a single strand 36 that is rounded into an “o” configuration and includes a blunt distal end 38 and proximal end 40. Optionally, the distal and proximal ends 38, 40 may be joined to form an o-ring, c-ring or oval-ring stent 46, 48, 50 that has a continuous strand (not shown). FIGS. 12-14 depict front views of the single strand stents 46, 48 and 50 in the “o-ring”, “c-ring” and oval-ring configuration and illustrates the open loop strut configuration, which provides an open lumen for the passageway. It is noted that generally, two or more o-rings, c-rings and/or oval-rings are utilized in various embodiments of the present invention. For example, an o-ring or c-ring can be encapsulated on each end of a tube made of the above described protein matrix or biocoacervate material. Optionally, additional o-rings, c-rings or oval-rings may be included through out the center of the tube to provide additional stability. Such embodiments may be also utilized as vessel grafts. An embodiment of such a vessel graft is depicted in FIG. 17. Normally, in such an embodiment a section of vessel 58 has been removed thereby leaving two open ends 60 and 62. The o-ring 46 or c-ring (not shown) on one end of a tube 64 is then partially inserted into the first opening 60 of the vessel 58 and secured into place by securing means 66 such as sutures or adhesives. Next the o-ring 46 or c-ring (not shown) on the other end of the tube 64 is partially inserted into the other opening 62 of the vessel 58 and sutured into place. Optionally, to minimize the amount of vessel graft inside the lumen the ends of the tube 64 may be narrowed and/or thinned to smooth the transition to and from the vessel to the vessel graft or vessel graft to the vessel.

Another vessel graft embodiment may also include graft fasteners to provide strength the anastomosis site and as an aid to wound healing. FIG. 18 depicts one embodiment of the graft fasteners 68 securing the vessel graft 64 to the vessel 58. In various embodiments, the graft fastener 67 may include one or more clamping devices 68, such as o-rings, c-rings or oval-rings as described above. However, the fastener 67 may utilize other clamping means suitable for securing the graft 64 to the vessel 58. In one embodiment, depicted in FIG. 19, the graft fasteners 67 includes two or more o-rings, c-rings or oval-rings adjoined by a linking member 70. The linking member 70 may include any type of material, mesh or cloth, such as PTFE, polypropylene, cotton, silk, metal meshing, polyester and the like. In another embodiment the graft fastener may include a self expanding mesh without the o-rings, c-rings or oval-rings, made from similar materials as those identified above. Such a mesh fastener would be able to contract with the exertion of force and return to its original expanded position upon release of the force. The o-rings, c-rings, oval-rings and/or linking member may also be encapsulated or coated with the protein-based material described above (e.g. protein matrix material and/or biocoacervate) to enhance their biocompatibility and promote biointegration.

Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 15 another embodiment of a single strand stent may be a loop strut stent 52 that comprises an open or closed loop of a single strand 36, which includes distal and proximal ends 38, 40. The single strand 36 generally takes a half turn at a first loop portion 54 and continues to extend to a second loop portion 56 whereby it takes one and a half turns to form a loop and finally returns to the first loop portion 54 whereby it takes another full turn to complete the loop of the first loop portion. It is again noted that the distal and proximal ends 38, 40 may be adjoined to form a continuous strand.

It is noted that any of the above mentioned single strand stents may be utilized as a single, as multiples or in combination with other single strand stents or other stents known in the art to form other embodiments of the stent systems of the present invention. For example, FIG. 16 depicts a stent embodiment that includes multiple o-rings 46 adjoined to a single oval-ring 50. The o-rings 46 are adjoined to the oval-ring 50 by affixing one end of the oval-ring 50 to the top of one o-ring 46 and the opposite end of the oval ring 50 to the bottom of the other o-ring.

The loop struts, as depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, will allow for much greater blood vessel flexibility than a standard wire stent so that it can change its shape and stretch in response to blood circulation pressure. Here the loop strut is made so that it can collapse on its side and/or elongate to reduce its size so as to fit within a delivery catheter.

It is noted that the single strand stents disclosed above will generally be completely encapsulated within a tube structure of protein matrix material an/or biocoacervate material. However, it is also noted that these stents may also be simple coated with the protein-based materials. The single stranded stents can be reduced in size so that it fits within a catheter assembly without the use of a balloon to deploy it. Also, the single stranded stents can be reduced in size to fit within a delivery catheter that only needs to be freed from the catheter. After protein encapsulated single strand stent is freed from the catheter it will open with greater force than a protein-based material tube without the stent. Furthermore, the encapsulated or coated single stranded stent will add greater force against the vessel wall to hold the stent system in place. It is noted that the single strand stent embodiments may also be coated, surrounded or encapsulated with any suitable biocompatible material that may or may not include a pharmacologically active agent.

Other embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 20, may include a stent system that includes a mesh tube 72, such as a weaved tube made of one or more metals, plastics, fibers or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, such a stent system may be utilized as a vessel graft, rather than an endovascular graft, by adhering the native vessel walls 74 to the mesh tube 72 with a fastener 76, such as sutures, adhesives, clips and the like. The mesh tube may be similar to the linking member 70 depicted in FIG. 18. In various embodiments, the mesh tube 72 also supports an o-ring 46, c-ring 48 or oval-ring 50 at each end of the tube 72. It is noted that o-rings 46, c-rings 48 or oval-rings 50 may be positioned throughout the length of the mesh tube to provide additional stability and strength. Generally, the mesh tube 72 including the o-rings 46, c-rings 48, oval-ring 50 may be coated, encapsulated or impregnated with a protein-based material, such as a protein matrix material or biocoacervate, or any other biocompatible material. It is noted that the mesh tube 72 may also be provided in combination with one or more of the single strand stent embodiments disclosed in the present application to provide additional strength and stability to the stent system. Also in various embodiments of the present invention, the one or more single strand stents may be woven into the mesh material of the mesh tube 72 to provide additional structural stability.

In an additional embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 21, one embodiment of a stent system 78 of the present invention, is inserted within the lumen of a vessel 80 that has been cut. The vessel walls 74 overlap and are adhered to the stent system 78 by an adhesive 82. In yet another similar embodiment, depicted in FIG. 22, a graft fastener 67 including one or more clamping devices 68, such as o-rings, c-rings or oval-rings are utilized to secure the stent system 78 within the lumen of the vessel 80. In various embodiments, the clamping devices 68 may further include a linking member 70, such as a mesh tube, adjoined to and linking the clamping devices 68. In various embodiments, the linking member 70 may be split to accommodate ease in placing the graft fastener 67 over the vessel. Also, the ends at the split may be configured to overlap each other, thereby causing the split to seal. The clamping devices 68 and/or the linking member 70, which may be a mesh tube, may be encapsulated or coated with a protein based material. In such embodiments, the clamping devices 68 are positioned over the vessel walls 74 outside of the anastomosis site to apply sufficient pressure on the vessel walls 74 and inserted stent device 78 to thereby maintain all components in their proper position and seal the anastomosis site from the outer host tissue.

In yet additional embodiments of the present invention the stent device may further include beveled ends on one or more ends. FIG. 23 depicts another embodiment of a stent device 78 inserted within the lumen of a vessel 80 wherein the ends 84 of an inner stent device 86 are beveled or tapered. Such beveling or tapering of the ends 84 assists in facilitating the smooth flow of fluid within the vessel 80 and attempts to reduce turbulence upon entry and exit of the stent system 78. In this embodiment, the inner stent device 86 is positioned within an outer stent device 88 that facilitates a sealing of the anastomosis site when implanted and secured into position. It is noted that beveled ends 84 may be part of stent device whether including a single stent system or multiple stent system. Such multiple stent systems may be secured to the native vessel 80 with any fastening means 76 such as sutures, adhesives, clamps and the like.

Finally, embodiments of the present invention comprise stent systems that include two or more stents coated, separated or encapsulated with one or more of the protein-based materials described above. In various embodiments, the stents are generally configured so that one may be fit within the other or so that they smoothly integrate with each other. As previously suggested, one or more of the stents may be coated or encapsulated with one or more of the protein based materials described above. In various embodiments this may provide the benefit of having a biocompatible material that functions well on the exterior of the stent system may be accomplished by positioning a coating that is biocompatible with the contacting host tissue on the outer stent. Furthermore, a different biocompatible material that functions well on the interior of the stent system may be administered to the inner stent. The insertion of the inner stent into the outer stent may then provide a stent system that functions well with the host tissue on the outside and the material that is present in the lumen.

Alternatively, the stents may simply be separated by a protein-base material. For example, the stent system of the present invention may include multiple stents that have a protein matrix tube positioned between the stents. Such an action may also be accomplished by encapsulating or coating one of the stents and either inserting it into or over a second stent.

It is noted that the following are only examples and therefore any of the protein-based materials and stents may be utilized in the present invention. An example of one embodiment of the invention includes a tube including a protein matrix material that is prepared with collagen:elastin (4:1) with 5% heparin, 0.2 mm thick. The tube is fitted between two stents. The tube length is made to fit the length of the longest stent. The protein matrix material tube is made with a diameter to fit over the inside stent in the closed position and within the outside stent in the closed position. The two stents can then be opened during balloon angioplasty so that the protein matrix material remains between the two stents.

In another example, the protein matrix material may be prepared with collagen:elastin (4:1) with 5% heparin, 0.2 mm thick, and is used to make a tube that fits in between two stents where one or both of the stents are covered in non-protein matrix material. The tube length is made to fit the length of the longest stent. The protein matrix material tube is made with a diameter to fit over the inside stent in the closed position and within the outside stent in the closed position. The two stents can then be opened during balloon angioplasty so that the protein matrix material remains between the two stents. The protein matrix material is positioned so that it comes in contact with the vessel lumen and optionally with the vessel wall (e.g., contact with plaque on vessel wall and/or vessel tissue).

Also in an additional example, the protein matrix material is prepared with collagen:elastin (4:1) with 5% heparin, 0.2 mm thick, and used to make a covering for an ePTFE covered stent by encapsulating the ePTFE covered stent within the protein matrix material in the shape of a tube that fits around the entire ePTFE covered stent.

In another example the protein matrix material covers over an ePTFE covered stent described previously and is used in conjunction with another stent so as to help with deployment of the stent assembly. Generally, the second stent may be placed inside the protein matrix material covered-ePTFE covered stent and pressed against the interior surface of the protein matrix material covered-ePTFE covered stent. The two stents are deployed using various means but the inner stent may aid in gripping the delivery catheter.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations, which fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention. 

1. A stent system comprising: two or more metallic or polymeric stents that are fitted to be inserted into each other; and a protein based material coating or encapsulating the one or more of the metallic or polymeric stents, the protein based material including one or more biocompatible protein materials combined with one or more biocompatible solvents.
 2. The stent system of claim 1 wherein the protein based material is a protein matrix material or a biocoacervate material.
 3. The stent system of claim 2 wherein the one or more stents are coated or encapsulated with a biocoacervate material comprising one or more primary proteins, one or more secondary proteins, one or more proteoglycans, one or more biocompatible solvents.
 4. The stent system of claim 1 wherein the protein based material comprises one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of elastin, collagen, albumin, keratin, fibronectin, silk, silk fibroin, actin, myosin, fibrinogen, thrombin, aprotinin, antithrombin III, elastinlike blocks, silklike blocks, collagenlike blocks, lamininlike blocks, fibronectinlike blocks and silklike, elastinlike blocks, collagen-heparin and collagen-chondroitin.
 5. The stent system of claim 1 wherein the biocompatible solvent is water.
 6. The stent system of claim 1 further comprising one or more pharmacologically active agents.
 7. The stent system of claim 6 wherein the one or more pharmacologically active agents is paclitaxel, rapamycin or estradiol.
 8. A single strand stent system comprising a single strand twisted to form a loop strut or two or more rounded loops said loop strut or loops coated or encapsulated with a protein based material including one or more biocompatible protein materials combined with one or more biocompatible solvents.
 9. The single strand stent system of claim 8 wherein the protein based material is a protein matrix material or a biocoacervate material.
 10. The single strand stent system of claim 9 wherein the one or more stents are coated or encapsulated with a biocoacervate material comprising one or more primary proteins, one or more secondary proteins, one or more proteoglycans, one or more biocompatible solvents.
 11. The single strand stent system of claim 8 wherein the protein based material comprises one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of elastin, collagen, albumin, keratin, fibronectin, silk, silk fibroin, actin, myosin, fibrinogen, thrombin, aprotinin, antithrombin III, elastinlike blocks, silklike blocks, collagenlike blocks, lamininlike blocks, fibronectinlike blocks and silklike, elastinlike blocks, collagen-heparin and collagen-chondroitin.
 12. The single strand stent system of claim 8 wherein the biocompatible solvent is water.
 13. The single strand stent system of claim 8 further comprising one or more pharmacologically active agents.
 14. The single strand stent system of claim 13 wherein the one or more pharmacologically active agents is paclitaxel, rapamycin or estradiol.
 15. The single strand stent system of claim 8 further comprising a mesh tube coated or encapsulated with the protein based material.
 16. The single strand stent system of claim 8 includes the two or more loops and the loops are selected from the group consisting of o-rings, c-rings and oval-rings.
 17. A graft fastener comprising two or more clamping devices adjoined by a linking member and coated or encapsulated with a protein based material including one or more biocompatible protein materials combined with one or more biocompatible solvents.
 18. The graft fastener of claim 17 wherein the protein based material is a protein matrix material or a biocoacervate material.
 19. The graft fastener of claim 18 wherein the graft fastener is coated or encapsulated with a biocoacervate material comprising one or more primary proteins, one or more secondary proteins, one or more proteoglycans, one or more biocompatible solvents.
 20. The graft fastener of claim 17 wherein the protein based material comprises one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of elastin, collagen, albumin, keratin, fibronectin, silk, silk fibroin, actin, myosin, fibrinogen, thrombin, aprotinin, antithrombin III, elastinlike blocks, silklike blocks, collagenlike blocks, lamininlike blocks, fibronectinlike blocks and silklike, elastinlike blocks, collagen-heparin and collagen-chondroitin.
 21. The graft fastener of claim 17 wherein the biocompatible solvent is water.
 22. The graft fastener of claim 17 further comprising one or more pharmacologically active agents.
 23. The graft fastener of claim 22 wherein the one or more pharmacologically active agents is paclitaxel, rapamycin or estradiol.
 24. The graft fastener of claim 17 wherein the clamping devices are selected from the group consisting of o-rings, c-rings and oval-rings.
 25. The graft fastener of claim 17 wherein the clamping devices are adjoined with a linking member.
 26. A method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel comprising: providing a stent system including two or more metallic or polymeric stents that are fitted to be inserted into each other; and a protein based material coating or encapsulating the one or more of the metallic or polymeric stents, the protein based material including one or more biocompatible protein materials combined with one or more biocompatible solvents; administering the stent system to a damaged or diseased vessel.
 27. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 26 wherein the protein based material is a protein matrix material or a biocoacervate material.
 28. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 27 wherein the one or more stents are coated or encapsulated with a biocoacervate material comprising one or more primary proteins, one or more secondary proteins, one or more proteoglycans, one or more biocompatible solvents.
 29. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 26 wherein the protein based material comprises one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of elastin, collagen, albumin, keratin, fibronectin, silk, silk fibroin, actin, myosin, fibrinogen, thrombin, aprotinin, antithrombin III, elastinlike blocks, silklike blocks, collagenlike blocks, lamininlike blocks, fibronectinlike blocks and silklike, elastinlike blocks, collagen-heparin and collagen-chondroitin.
 30. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 26 wherein the biocompatible solvent is water.
 31. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 26 further comprising one or more pharmacologically active agents.
 32. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 26 wherein the one or more pharmacologically active agents is paclitaxel, rapamycin or estradiol.
 33. A method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel comprising: providing a single strand stent system comprising a single strand twisted to form a loop strut or two or more rounded loops said loop strut or loops coated or encapsulated with a protein based material including one or more biocompatible protein materials combined with one or more biocompatible solvents; and administering the single strand stent system to a damaged or diseased vessel.
 34. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 33 wherein the protein based material is a protein matrix material or a biocoacervate material.
 35. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 34 wherein the one or more stents are coated or encapsulated with a biocoacervate material comprising one or more primary proteins, one or more secondary proteins, one or more proteoglycans, one or more biocompatible solvents.
 36. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 33 wherein the protein based material comprises one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of elastin, collagen, albumin, keratin, fibronectin, silk, silk fibroin, actin, myosin, fibrinogen, thrombin, aprotinin, antithrombin III, elastinlike blocks, silklike blocks, collagenlike blocks, lamininlike blocks, fibronectinlike blocks and silklike, elastinlike blocks, collagen-heparin and collagen-chondroitin.
 37. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 33 wherein the biocompatible solvent is water.
 38. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 33 further comprising one or more pharmacologically active agents.
 39. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 38 wherein the one or more pharmacologically active agents is paclitaxel, rapamycin or estradiol.
 40. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 33 further comprising a mesh tube coated or encapsulated with the protein based material.
 41. The method of repairing a damaged or diseased vessel of claim 33 includes the two or more loops and the loops are selected from the group consisting of o-rings, c-rings and oval-rings.
 42. A method of securing a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel comprising, positioning a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel lumen; placing a graft fastener over the outer surface of the vessel and securing in place the vessel graft stent, or stent system, wherein the graft fastener includes two or more clamping devices adjoined by a linking member and coated or encapsulated with a protein based material including one or more biocompatible protein materials combined with one or more biocompatible solvents.
 43. The method of securing a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel of claim 42 wherein the protein based material is a protein matrix material or a biocoacervate material.
 44. The method of securing a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel of claim 44 wherein the graft fastener is coated or encapsulated with a biocoacervate material comprising one or more primary proteins, one or more secondary proteins, one or more proteoglycans, one or more biocompatible solvents.
 45. The method of securing a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel of claim 42 wherein the protein based material comprises one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of elastin, collagen, albumin, keratin, fibronectin, silk, silk fibroin, actin, myosin, fibrinogen, thrombin, aprotinin, antithrombin III, elastinlike blocks, silklike blocks, collagenlike blocks, lamininlike blocks, fibronectinlike blocks and silklike, elastinlike blocks, collagen-heparin and collagen-chondroitin.
 46. The method of securing a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel of claim 42 wherein the biocompatible solvent is water.
 47. The method of securing a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel of claim 42 further comprising one or more pharmacologically active agents.
 48. The method of securing a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel of claim 46 wherein the one or more pharmacologically active agents is paclitaxel, rapamycin or estradiol.
 49. The method of securing a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel of claim 42 wherein the clamping devices are selected from the group consisting of o-rings, c-rings and oval-rings.
 50. The method of securing a vessel graft, stent or stent system in a vessel of claim 42 wherein the clamping devices are adjoined with a linking member. 